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Bible Archaeology Project

My group presentation theme was Pontius Pilate and Political Structure.  Pontius Pilate was a governor prefect of Judea from 26 AD to 36 AD (The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica).  During Jesus' case, he was best known as the judge (Biography.com Editors).  He declared Jesus of treason and ordered his crucifixion (Biography.com Editors).  During his reign of power, he could collect tax, had supreme judgment, and could maintain law and order (Biography.com Editors).  The political structure during his time was a hierarchal structure based on ancestry, property, wealth, citizenship, and freedom (www.hierarchystructure.com/roman-empire-social-hierarchy/).  

There is evidence of Pontius Pilate's existence.  There was an artifact fragment found in Caesarea Maritima (allaboutarchaeology.org).  In Latin, it stated, “Pontius Pilatus, Prefect of Judea, has dedicated to the people of Caesarea a temple in honor of Tiberius" (allaboutarchaeology.org).

In the group who had the "Site of Cavalry," I learned that it was located outside of Jerusalem, Israel.  This is significant because it was the place where Jesus was crucified.  Here, Jesus was belittled and mocked.  Also, He fulfills the prophecy about his death and was the place where people realized that Jesus was the actual Son of God.  Here, many thieves or rebels were crucified alongside Jesus.  For the "Shroud of Turin," I was interested in its importance.  It was a piece of linen that was believed to be the piece of clothing Jesus was buried in.  It was located in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.  This confirms overall, what the Church teaches us and explains the existence of Jesus. 

I believe the topics that were most fascinating related to Jesus' life was "Pontius Pilate and Political Structure" and "Sermon on the Mount."  Pontius Pilate influenced Jesus' life because he enforced Jesus' crucifixion.  I believe this event was an influential part of most peoples lives because this is a well-known story around the world.  Also, Pontius Pilate was the reason as to why Jesus was able to prove to the people that he was the actual Son of God.  "Sermon on the Mount" was important because that is where Jesus taught his disciples what it means to follow him.  He also gave the Beatitudes, which changes the way we live.  It is as important as the Ten Commandments and without it, we wouldn't know its teachings and what it means to be a follower of God.  Today, the Beatitudes influenced my faith and everyday life because I reflect on the Beatitudes every day.

In class, we saw Jesus as our father who is caring and loving to all.  A person who is similar to these characteristics is my mother.  Every day, she shows the characteristics Jesus lived out.  She is loving, caring and would do her best to make the world a better place.  She would think of others before herself, which is similar to how Jesus would think of his people before himself.  For instance, she would do her best to volunteer whenever she has the chance.  I admire her for all the influential things she has accomplished.  My mother is the perfect example of having similar traits with Jesus.  Overall, most mothers are seen as a figure who represents and lives out Jesus' characteristics and teachings. 

This is the plaque that showed evidence of Pontius Pilate's existence.
In Latin, it stated, “Pontius Pilatus, Prefect of Judea, has dedicated to the people of Caesarea a temple in honor of Tiberius.”
(www.allaboutarchaeology.org/pontius-pilate-faq.htm)


Works Cited:


Biography.com Editors. “Pontius Pilate.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 11 Nov. 2014, www.biography.com/people/pontius-pilate-9440686.


Jennifer Dose, Social Studies and English Teacher Follow. “Ancient Rome Hierarchy.”LinkedIn SlideShare, 4 Mar. 2015, www.slideshare.net/jennifermdose/ancient-rome-hierarchy.

“Jesus.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/jesus.html.

“Pontius Pilate.” AllAboutArchaeology.org, www.allaboutarchaeology.org/pontius-pilate-faq.htm.

“Roman Empire Social Hierarchy.” Hierarchy Structure, www.hierarchystructure.com/roman-empire-social-hierarchy/.

The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Pontius Pilate.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1 June 2015, www.britannica.com/biography/Pontius-Pilate.

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