Roman Inscription Naming Pontius Pilate

A damaged 1st‑century CE limestone block discovered at Caesarea bears a Latin inscription that includes the name Pontius Pilate and his title (prefect of Judea), providing the only contemporary archaeological attestation of the New Testament figure.

Context and Provenance

Found reused in later architecture at Caesarea, the inscription likely belonged to a dedicatory monument and confirms Pilate’s administrative presence at the provincial capital, anchoring Gospel references to a real Roman official.

Why It Matters for History

As a contemporary Roman epigraphic record, the Pilate Stone helps reconstruct Roman governance and provincial architecture in Judea and is frequently cited in studies of New Testament historicity and Roman administration.

Sources

Canivet; Frova; epigraphic reports

Pilate Stone publication (Caesarea reports)

Other Information About Pilate Stone

Epigraphic analyses; museum catalogues; provincial studies.