In 1961, Italian archaeologist Antonio Frova discovered a limestone block at the ancient theater in Caesarea Maritima bearing a Latin inscription mentioning 'Pontius Pilatus, Prefect of Judea.' This was the first physical artifact confirming the existence of the Roman official who authorized the crucifixion of Jesus.
The inscription, now known as the Pilate Stone, was apparently a dedicatory plaque for a building called the Tiberium, honoring Emperor Tiberius. The surviving text reads in part: '...TIUS PILATUS ...ECTUS IUDA...' — reconstructed as 'Pontius Pilatus, Praefectus Iudaeae' (Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea).
This discovery was significant for several reasons. First, it confirmed Pilate as a real historical figure. Second, it clarified his official title. The Gospels call Pilate a 'hegemon' (governor), while Tacitus calls him a 'procurator.' The inscription reveals his actual title was 'praefectus' (prefect), which is consistent with what we know about the administrative terminology of the period. Prefect was used before 44 AD, after which the title changed to procurator.
Pilate's historicity was already well-attested through Josephus, Philo, and Tacitus. But the inscription provides direct physical evidence — not a literary reference but an artifact from his own time and jurisdiction.