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View of a modern reconstruction of an inscribed stone slab that mentions Pontius Pilate the Prefect of Judea that condemned Jesus to death (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 18 and 19). He governed Judea from A.D. 26 to 36.
This slab was discovered in 1961 by an Italian expedition that was excavating the theater at Caesarea Maritima. The stone was reused in the theater. Originally it was probably part of a temple called a "Tiberium" — that was dedicated to the Roman Emperor Tiberius (A.D. 14–27).
Four lines of the Latin inscription are visible.
Dr. John McRay quotes the translation of Jerry Vardaman as:
Tiberium [of the Caesareans?]
Pontius Pilate,
Prefect of Judea
[. . . had given . . .]
This is the only reference to Pontius Pilate found in an archaeological excavation.
To view the original inscription Click Here.
For the translation of this inscription John McRay Archaeology and the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1991: 204. To view for purchase Click Here.
