Archaeology by the Book

This section contains Articles, Photos, and Bibliographies of archaeological discovers from the Lands of the Bible which substantially demonstrate the historical value of the Bible. The collection will be (where possible) cataloged in the appropriate section or book of the Bible which apply.

For example: The discovery of the Pilate Stone would be cataloged in the section of the Bible (The Gospels), which contains the records of his life and actions; this links the discovery with the Biblical text/s.

The Hebrew Bible

Intertestamental Period

The Christian Scriptures

The Gospels

The Pilate Stone (1961) -Until recently, there was no contemporary evidence outside the Bible for Pilate’s existence (although Tacitus, Josephus, and Philo all wrote about him). Then in 1961, Italian archaeologists excavating the theatre at Caesarea found this stone inscription of Pontius Pilate. Coins have also been found dating from Pilate’s rule as governor.

The inscription is in a block of limestone 82 x 68 x 20 cm. Although the left-hand side of the words are missing, they can be reconstructed as follows:

 

Pilate Inscription closeup

Bibliography:

http://www.answers.com/topic/pontius-pilate

Discoveries from Bible Times. Alan Millard . ppg 226-227

Scripture Link/s:Matt 27:2, 13,17, 22, 24, 58,62, 65. Mark 15:1-2, 4-5, 9,12, 14-15, 43-44. Luke 3:1; 13:1; 23:1, 3-4, 6, 11-13,20, 24, 52. John 18:29,31, 33, 35, 37-38; 19:1, 4-6,8, 10, 12-13,15, 19, 21-22,31, 38. Acts 3:13; 4:27; 13:28. I Tim 6:13
ActsPauline Epistles

Non-Pauline Epistles

 

….]TIBERIEUM
[PON]TIUS PILATUS
[PRAEF]ECTUSIUD…E

The inscription appears to be about a temple that Pilate built at Caesarea in honour of the Roman emperor Tiberius (called a Tiberieum).