The Megiddo Mosaic
An extraordinary mosaic from the area of ancient Megiddo in northern Israel is now on display at the Museum of the Bible. Featuring the earliest known inscription to identify Jesus as God, the mosaic adds much to our understanding of early Christian communities in the Holy Land.
The mosaic was discovered during salvage excavation of Kfar Othnay, a Roman- and Byzantine-era settlement identified within the grounds of the modern Megiddo Prison. Measuring about 16 by 32 feet, this extensive mosaic covered the floor of a Christian worship hall. Astonishingly, this hall formed a wing of a large residential building used by Roman soldiers, namely the Sixth Ironclad Legion stationed at the nearby military camp of Legio. Dating from around 230 CE, the hall is the earliest monument in Israel dedicated to Christian worship
Inscriptions in ancient Greek
The mosaic includes three inscriptions written in ancient Greek, offering glimpses into the faith and community of early Christians. The most notable reads: “The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.”
Experts view this as one of the earliest affirmations of Jesus’ divinity. The donor, Akeptous, is described as a “God lover,” and researchers believe she was a wealthy and influential woman. The table she donated, placed at the center of the hall, was likely used in Eucharist rituals, a key practice in early Christianity.
Another inscription credits Gaianus, also known as Porphyrius, a Roman centurion, for funding the mosaic as an act of generosity. Moreover, the inscription even mentions the name of the artisan, Brutius, who made the mosaic, an astounding work of art.
The third inscription commemorates four women—Primilla, Cyriaca, Dorothea, and Chreste—whose importance to the community is noted as the inscription simply states that these four women should be commemorated, though their specific roles remain unclear.
The mention of an officer of the Roman army, a simple artisan, a group of women that should be remembered and of a wealthy and influential woman underscores the diverse makeup of early Christian communities.
The mosaic’s symbolism
The mosaic also features fish imagery, an important symbol in early Christianity. The Greek word for fish, ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys), forms an acronym for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”
Ithos = Jesus
Christos = Christ
Theos = God
Uios = Son
Soteir = Savior
