Earliest “Physical Evidence” Of Christianity Now In Washington D.C.

The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., has opened a new exhibit titled “The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith.”

The display of the mosaic is made possible by the museum’s partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The Museum of the Bible shared that the mosaic piece is part of the floor of the oldest site of Christian worship ever to be discovered.

Alegre Savariego, the curator of the exhibition, stated, “The mosaic presents groundbreaking physical evidence of the practices and beliefs of early Christians, including the first archaeological instance of the phrase, ‘God Jesus Christ.'”

Rare mosaic revealing earliest 'physical evidence' of Christianity now on display at Museum of the Bible https://t.co/Tzx29IASMM

— Mike Burns (@PsMikeBurns) September 25, 2024

Ancient Megiddo Mosaic Makes US Debut at the Museum of the Bible https://t.co/4RRY4ehWbh via @greekcitytimes

— David Phillips jr (@dphillipsjr68) September 25, 2024

Check out what Fox News reported:

The Museum of the Bible in the nation’s capital has opened a new exhibit in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), giving visitors a deeper understanding of the spread of early Christianity in the Holy Land.

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Titled “The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith,” the exhibit showcases IAA’s archaeological find, dating back to the third century, on display for the first time since it was found.

The mosaic formed part of the floor of the oldest site of Christian worship ever to be discovered, according to officials with the Museum of the Bible (MOTB).

The Megiddo Mosaic was unearthed 20 years ago during a pre-construction archaeological dig in the Megiddo prison in Israel while planning for a new wing in the prison was underway, says the MOTB’s press release.

Rare mosaic revealing earliest 'physical evidence' of Christianity now on display at Museum of the Biblehttps://t.co/vkzLOIyPuz

— Brenda Barry (@BrendaB98384589) September 25, 2024

Per Greek City Times:

Discovered in 2005 during a prison expansion project, the meticulously crafted mosaic lay hidden for centuries. Featuring intricate geometric patterns, two fish (a symbol of early Christianity), and a remarkably early inscription mentioning Jesus written in ancient Greek, the mosaic provides tangible evidence of a thriving early Christian community.

“This object really is a way for us to come together,” shared Carlos Campo, CEO of the Museum of the Bible. “These tiny little tesserae, these beautiful pieces when placed together—they tell a remarkable story of unity.”

The mosaic’s significance is amplified by several unique features:

Early Mention of Jesus: Predating the Roman Empire’s embrace of Christianity, the inscription referencing Jesus is only the second of its kind ever discovered.

Named Female Figures: Four women are identified in the mosaic, a highly unusual occurrence potentially signifying their martyrdom or importance within the early Church.

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Artist’s Signature: The inscription “Brutius has carried out the work” offers a rare glimpse into the identity and skill of the mosaic’s creator.

The exhibition, a collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority, tells a more profound story than just artistry.