The Pontius Pilate Inscription

Description

The Pontius Pilate Inscription was discovered in secondary use on the western steps of the Roman theatre at Caesarea in June of 1961. The inscription reflects the erecting of a monumental building by Pontius Pilate, most likely a temple, in which the Emperor Tiberius was worshipped. The discovery of this inscription provides a monumental backdrop for New Testament authenticity.

Before the object’s discovery, some scholars doubted whether Pontius Pilate was a figurative character, contrived by the New Testament authors, and whether Josephus’ many stories concerning him were corrupted by later editors. The inscription further substantiates that Pontius Pilate indeed was a ‘prefect’ and not a ‘procurator’ as some of the early translators had deemed. Materials: Clay, produced in the Holy Land. Includes: Detailed artifact description & serial number. Note: This item is free-standing.

The dimensions of the original limestone stele are: H. 80cm, L. 68cm, W. 20cm.

The Latin inscription reads (reconstructed letters are in brackets):

[DIS AUGUSTI]S TIBERIÉUM

[…PO]NTIUS PILATUS

[…PRAEF]ECTUS IUDA[EA]E

[…FECIT D]E[DICAVIT]

The translation:

To the Divine Augusti [this] Tiberieum

…Pontius Pilate

…prefect of Judea

…has dedicated [this]

Product Specifications

• Artifact dated back to 26 – 36 CE
• Artifact location: IAA, Israel Museum
• Depth: 12 cm
• Dimensions of original: 80 cm x 68 cm x 20 cm
• Display / Frame – None
• Height: 30 cm
• IAA Access Number – 1961-539
• Portion in Bible – Mathew 27:11, 22
• Replica size – 15 %
• Site of Origin Cesarea
• Weight: 2 kg
• Width: 20 cm