The Inspiration Behind Legacy of Megiddo

The Ancient Megiddo Discovery

In 2005, archaeologist Yotam Tepper made what experts call "one of the most important discoveries made in Israel this century" at the Megiddo Prison site, 1.8 miles south of Tel Megiddo in northern Israel. The discovery revealed a 3rd century Christian worship hall containing three pristine mosaic inscriptions that provide unprecedented insight into early Christianity.

This remarkable find dates to approximately AD 230, when Christianity was still an illegal religion under Roman rule. The worship hall belonged to officers of the Roman Legio VI Ferrata ("Sixth Ironclad Legion") and contained a communion table surrounded by mosaic panels with Greek inscriptions. When the building was abandoned in the late 3rd century, someone carefully preserved the mosaics by covering them with pottery sherds and wall plaster, protecting them for nearly 1,800 years.

Visual Journey Through History

The Gaianus Inscription

"Gaianos, who is also called Porphyry, a centurion, our brother, having earnestly desired to do so, has commissioned this mosaic-inscription." This north panel inscription honors the Roman centurion who funded the mosaic floor.

The Akeptous Inscription

"Akeptous, the friend of God, has offered the table to God Jesus Christ (for) remembrance." This inscription by a Christian woman refers to the communion table and remarkably calls Jesus "God" - nearly a century before the Council of Nicaea.

The Women Inscription

"Remember Primilla and Cyriaca and Dorothea, and moreover also Chreste." This inscription honors four prominent women in the early Christian community, demonstrating the important role women played in the early church.

Early Christian Symbols

The mosaic included a medallion with two fish, an early Christian symbol where the Greek word for "fish" served as an acronym for "Jesus Christ God's Son Savior."

Legacy of Megiddo Recreation

Our faithful recreation brings this remarkable piece of Christian history into the modern world, preserving the artistry and faith of this extraordinary 3rd century discovery.

Why This Discovery Matters

Christianity Under Roman Rule

This discovery reveals how early Christians practiced their faith within the Roman military when Christianity was still illegal, showing remarkable courage and devotion.

Early Recognition of Christ's Divinity

The phrase "God Jesus Christ" appears nearly a century before the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), providing crucial evidence of early Christian beliefs about Jesus' divine nature.

Women in Early Christianity

Five of the seven named individuals are women, demonstrating their prominent role in early Christian communities - a stark contrast to their status in Roman society.

See the Original at the Museum of the Bible

For the first time, the actual Megiddo mosaic is on public display at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. The special exhibit "The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith" runs from September 15, 2024, to July 6, 2025, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see this extraordinary 3rd century discovery in person.

September 15, 2024 - July 6, 2025

Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC

Experience the Legacy

Our Legacy of Megiddo recreation brings this remarkable piece of Christian history into your space, allowing you to connect with the faith and artistry of these early believers who courageously practiced Christianity under Roman rule.

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