Archaeologists believe 2,000-year-old ring may be Pontius Pilate's

A 2,000-year-old ring discovered near Jerusalem may have been worn by the man who condemned Jesus. (Image: C. Amit, IAA Photographic Department, via Hebrew University/ Getty)

A 2,000-year-old ring unearthed 50 years ago may have been worn by Pontius Pilate, who served as the Roman prefect of Judaea from 26 to 37 AD. He served under the Roman emperor Tiberius during the probable lifetime of Jesus.

The ring, made of copper alloy and depicting a krater, a large vessel used for holding wine, bears an inscription that reads ΠΙΛΑΤΟ (“Pilato”) in Greek. It was discovered in the late 1960s during excavations at Herodium, an ancient palace and fortress in Israel. Archaeologists only recently tried to interpret the inscription.

The artefact was one of several items found in Herod's burial tomb. (Image: Getty)

The artefact was one of several items found in Herod’s burial tomb. Herod ruled Judea and in the Bible it says he initiated a murder of all the infants in Bethlehem in attempt to get rid of the baby Jesus.

The ring's discovery sparked excitement and debate amongst historians and archaeologists, as it may well have been worn by the man who sentenced Jesus Christ to death. Pontius Pilate served as the fifth prefect for the Roman province of Judaea and is mentioned in several accounts in the New Testament, as having ordered the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

Some argue that the ring is an authentic artefact of Pontius Pilate, as the inscription is a clear reference to the prefect’s name. Additionally, the simple copper alloy construction is consistent with the rings typically worn by Roman officials of his rank.

However, other scholars have raised doubts about the ring's authenticity. They point out that the inscription could also be interpreted as two separate words, “PI” and “LATO,” which could refer to other individuals or concepts unrelated to Pontius Pilate. They also argue that the ring’s design and craftsmanship are not consistent with those of Roman prefects’ rings.

Pontius Pilate is mentioned as having ordered the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. (Image: Getty)

In 2023, a new study published in the journal “Atiqot” also challenged the ring's authenticity. The study analysed the inscription and ring’s composition and concluded that it could be read differently, suggesting that it refers to a quarry or the stonecutting profession.

This interpretation would make the ring more consistent with the archaeological context of Herodium, where quarrying and stonecutting were prevalent activities.

Analysis of the ring indicates its manufacture was likely by a smith in Jerusalem. Its common ornamentation and lack of precious gems suggest its original use by someone with a name similar to the Roman governor’s, or as a low-level official acting on Pilate’s behalf, rather than the prefect himself, argued G.W. Thielman in The Federalist. Others say that it would be very unusual for a high-ranking Roman prefect to use Greek for an administrative inscription.

Nevertheless, the historical evidence for a Roman prefect who went by the name of Pontius Pilate is substantial, argued Nathan Steinmeyer.