What is The Megiddo Mosaic?

In 2005, the Megiddo Mosaic was discovered in Megiddo, Israel, dating around the early third century (i.e., 201-300 AD). The Mosaic is 500 square feet and signifies many parts of early Christian life.

On the Mosaic, it notes it was made by a man named "Brutus" under the funding of Gainus and Akeptous. Gainus is described as a centurion and a brother, likely referring to a brother in Christ as was common in the early church (2 Corinthians 11:9; Hebrews 13:1). “Gaianos [i.e. his Roman name], who is also called Porphyry [i.e., his Greek name], a centurion, our brother, having earnestly desired to do so, has commissioned this mosaic-inscription. Brutus has done the work" (Rollston).

Akeptous, "the friend of God, has offered the table to God Jesus Christ (for) remembrance" (Rollston).

In the center of the room, there is a table believed to be used for the eucharist (i.e., communion, the Lord's supper). The table specifically states it was "to God Jesus Christ". This acts as one of many evidences that the early Christians believed Jesus to be God.

In another place on the mosaic, it highlights four women stating "Remember Primilla, and Cyriaca, and Dorothea, and Chreste".

Image by The Museum of The Bible

Works Cited:

McGreal, C. (2005, November 7). Holy Land’s “oldest church” found at Armageddon. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/nov/07/israel.artsnews.

Museum of the Bible. (2024, September 26). The Megiddo mosaic: a community coming together to the table. https://www.museumofthebible.org/magazine/exhibitions/the-megiddo-mosaic-a-community-coming-together-to-the-table.

Rollstone. (2024, July 4). A stunning trio of early Christian (3rd century) inscriptions from Biblical Armageddon: ‘God Jesus Christ,’ five prominent named women, a named centurion, a Eucharist table, and two fish. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from http://www.rollstonepigraphy.com/?p=1004.

Sudilovsky, B. J. (2022, April 2). Early Christian mosaic to be 'released' from jail, Megiddo Prison move. The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-702887.