Bible Archeology Discoveries

The Nazareth Inscription
Discovered: Galilee, Israel
From: (c. AD 10-50)

The Nazareth Inscription or Nazareth decree is a marble tablet inscribed in Greek with an edict from an unnamed Caesar ordering capital punishment for anyone caught disturbing graves or tombs. It is dated on the basis of epigraphy to the first half of the 1st century AD. Its provenance is unknown, but a French collector acquired the stone from Nazareth.

This inscription forbad the removal of bodies from tombs on penalty of death. It was directed at the people of Judea and Galilee, and most interestingly, it mentioned tombs with "selpulcher-sealing stones."

While tomb robbing for riches had been practiced for all history, it was odd for the emperor to create an edict forbidding the removal of bodies. Since the Jewish leaders of Christ's time had spread a rumor that his disciples removed his body from the tomb, it is possible that emperor Claudius (himself having problems in Rome with the clashes between Jews and Christian Jews), made this edict as a result.

"Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city, and told unto the chief priests all the things that were come to pass.
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave much money unto the soldiers, saying, 'Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. and if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and rid you of care.'
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continueth until this day."
Matthew 28 11-15

Select Pages

- page 66 of 71 -

Notable Finds

Much of what is described in Bible text is lost to history, requiring readers to assume the historicity of the scriptures.

However, many of the places and events described in the Old and New Testaments are periodically corroborated by archeological finds.

Some finds simply help us to better understand things from the ancient world. However, others provide important evidence as to the truth of scripture regarding things about which there had previously been skepticism.

Note: Click any image on these pages to see larger photos.