What inscribed limestone block discovered at Caesarea Maritima in 1961 provided the first extra-biblical archaeological confirmation of a prominent Roman prefect?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. The Pilate Stone
- Step 1: Italian archaeologist Antonio Frova uncovered a Latin inscribed stone reused as a staircase step in the Caesarea theater.
- Step 2: The inscription reads: '[DIS AUGUSTIS] TIBERIEUM / [... PONTI]US PILATUS / [... PRAEF]ECTUS IUDA[EAE]', confirming Pontius Pilate's title as Praefectus of Judea.
Answer
The Pilate Stone.
Why not the others: The Tel Dan Stele contains an Aramaic inscription mentioning the 'House of David'; the Mesha Stele is a Moabite royal inscription; the Cyrus Cylinder is a Persian cuneiform declaration discovered in Babylon.
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