The Pilate Inscription

Could it have happened like this?

Along the Mediterranean coast in the provincial capital of Caesarea was the grand theater which hosted extremely popular events such as chariot racing and gladiator games.

A Dramatic Reenactment of Historical Events

Near a special section for dignitaries, in between flights of steps along a nearby aisle, was a landing area with damaged stones that honored guests would be stepping over on their way to and from their seats. It became an embarrassment, and could no longer be tolerated. If anyone of importance were injured, there would be a severe penalty for those in charge.

The orders came down. Make the necessary repairs. But the limestone of original construction was produced centuries ago and no longer available for any reasonable price. The question for the foreman was how to remedy the situation in a cost effective and timely manner without troubling his superiors.

“With no mountains to quarry, we will excavate from the glory of Rome’s past.” said he.

An unattended temple was under demolition to make room for gods more in vogue. A dedication stone from an unremembered governor to a now un-feared Caesar was located with good dimensions. But should such an official stone be used?

“Does Tiberius care from his grave?” the foreman mocked. “I serve a living Caesar whose friends will arrive this week for the games. That ancient Praefect of Judea has already been awarded more honor than any mortal deserves. Use the stone!” he laughed.

The workmen then cut the stone in half, using a two-foot by three-foot slab to repair the landing. The repair was good, lasting for hundreds of years. Guests traveled up and down the stairs, resting upon the repaired landing and taking in a momentary panoramic view they continued on their way up down.

Historical Fact

Centuries later, and having exchanged hands throughout the crusades, the city of Caesarea was finally destroyed in 1265. With the aqueducts disassembled and the city laid waste, the middle eastern winds buried Caesarea beneath eight centuries of sand dunes.

In 1959, a group of Italian-sponsored archaeologists began to excavate. Two years later a curious stone was uncovered on the landing, in between flights of stairs, bearing the name of Pontius Pilate, Praefectus of Judea, thus ending a long standing debate concerning whether a central character mentioned in the biblical narrative ever even existed.

That issue was settled. Yes he existed.