Rare Mosaic Revealing Earliest Physical Evidence of Christianity Now on Display
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.
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 discovered.
One cannot help but be moved by the significance of the Megiddo Mosaic. It forms a part of the floor of the oldest known Christian worship site ever unearthed, according to officials at the Museum of the Bible (MOTB). This ancient mosaic tells a story, whispering secrets from a time when faith and community were intricately woven into the fabric of life.
Unearthed two decades ago during a pre-construction archaeological dig in the Megiddo prison, this mosaic offers a glimpse into the early days of Christianity. While planning a new building wing, archaeologists stumbled upon a treasure, says the MOTB’s press release. Can you imagine the excitement? Each tile, meticulously set, holds layers of history beneath its surface.
“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,’” stated Alegre Savariego, curator of the exhibition on behalf of the IAA. This phrase, laden with meaning, stirs the imagination, drawing visitors into a world where faith first took root and flourished amidst the challenges of the era.
Animation and digital renderings bring the ancient site to life, showcasing how this remarkable mosaic might have adorned the floor of the gathering place in the 3rd century. Tiles beautifully depict one of the earliest uses of the fish symbol—a reminder of the early Christian community’s struggle and resilience.
Bobby Duke, MOTB interim chief curator and scholars initiative director, emphasized the importance of this find. “The mosaic underscores the role of women in the early church by mentioning five women by name,” he remarked, highlighting a dimension often overlooked. It invites us to ponder who these women were, what their faith represented, and how they contributed to early Christianity.
The exhibit, which opened on September 15, will captivate audiences for nine months before touring additional venues and ultimately returning to Israel. The anticipation of its journey is palpable—will it continue to inspire, educate, and challenge the understanding of faith and history once it reaches the very site of its discovery?
Learn more at museumofthebible.org. As a delightful aside, it’s fascinating to think that the ancient Romans would pave their floors with mosaics not merely for aesthetics but to tell stories and convey beliefs. This echoes the enduring truth that art and faith have always been intertwined, inviting reflection and wonder in every era.
