Pontius Pilate
(0371) Text: [dis Augusti]s Tiberieum | [… Po]ntius Pilatus | [… praef]ectus Iuda[ea]a | [… fecit d]e[dicavit]
Translation: To the divine Augustans: Pontius Pilate, prefect of Judaea, dedicated this Tiberieum […] (trans. Christopher B. Zeichmann)
Commentary: Though not strictly military, this inscription is noteworthy for a number of reasons. First, Latin is extremely rare in pre-War Palestine, mostly found on high-quality imported goods. Second, the title prefect differs from the “procurator” ascribed to Pilate by both Tacitus and biblical texts. Commentary on the document is vast.
Provenience: Caesarea Maritima, Palestine 26-36 CE
Bibliography: AE 1963.104; commentary on the inscription is extensive.