Five figures from the Bible that archeology PROVES were real

Archaeologists have made astonishing discoveries in recent decades that prove that many Biblical figures actually walked and breathed the earth.

The existence of at least 50 people mentioned in the holy book has been identified through wall drawings, inscriptions on stone slabs and other material evidence.

One of the most important finds was a plaque with the name Pontius Pilate, the man who sentenced Jesus to death for fear of losing his power over the Jews.

Another discovery involved a cave found in the early 2000s that archaeologists believe was used by John the Baptist to anoint followers of Christ.

The Stone of Pontius Pilate

The Roman leader who ordered Jesus to be crucified and then washed his hands in front of a crowd was a real and well-documented historical figure.

Pontius Pilate ruled Caesarea, once located in Israel, from 26 AD. to 36 AD. under Emperor Tiberius.

Pilate convicted Jesus of treason and sentenced him to death by crucifixion.

An Italian archaeologist discovered an ancient limestone slab named ‘Pontius Pilate’ in 1961.

The inscription also explained how he built a ‘Tiberieum’, a temple in or near Caesarea, dedicated to the then reigning Roman emperor Tiberius.

And the dating of the stone shows that it was made during the ruler’s lifetime.

Pilate has also been mentioned by ancient writers, including the Jewish philosopher Philo, historian Josephus, and the Roman historian Tacitus.

Philo described Pilate as “a man of very inflexible character, and very merciless, and very stubborn… exceedingly angry, and… at all times a man of the fiercest passions.”

King Herod’s tomb

King Herod, born in 73 AD, was a Jewish leader who heard a prophecy that a son would be born as King of the Jews.

Herod then ordered ‘the slaughter of the innocents’, killing every male child in Bethlehem.

Although this cruel order is not recorded in the history books, it is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew.

It was said that the king died more than 2,000 years ago, but it wasn’t until 2007 that archaeologists discovered his tomb – although his existence had been found on coins and in historical records.

Ehud Netzer of the Hebrew University and his The found team was excavating a volcano-shaped hill called Herodium in Jerusalem.

Decades later, on April 27, 2007, they hit a slab of pink limestone that later revealed Herod’s elusive tomb.

However, the sarcophagus had been deliberately destroyed – probably by Jewish rebels.

Other archaeologists have since suggested that the size of the tomb is too small for a king like Herod – and the debate continues.

The cave of John the Baptist

Archaeologists uncovered a cave in 2004 that they claimed was the site where John the Baptist anointed many of his disciples.

The structure contained a cistern where 28 steps led to an underground pool.

A team led by British archaeologist Shimon Gibson excavated the cave and found 250,000 small jug shards that may have been used in purification rituals.

A stone used for cleansing the feet and wall carvings themed around the biblical figure were also uncovered, convincing Gibson that the cave was used by John the Baptist.

Shimon Gibson said, “John the Baptist, who was just a figure from the Gospels, now comes to life.”

The Biblical figure is also said to have baptized Jesus, but it is not known whether the sacred event took place in the cave.

Not every archaeologist is convinced there is enough evidence for John the Baptist – and some suggest further evidence is needed.

The tomb of the apostle Philip

Philip was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, and Italian archaeologist Francesco D’Andria believes he found his grave in Turkey in 2011.

The Bible records that Philip was present during “the miracle of the five loaves and two fish,” in which it was said that Jesus turned the small amount of food into enough to feed 5,000 people – and Philip helped distribute the items.

However, Philip was killed in 80 AD. crucified after converting a ruler’s wife.

The grave was discovered while teams were excavating an ancient church built around the apostle’s resting place.

On the walls were drawings and features that referred to Philip.

However, Philip’s remains were missing, leading archaeologists to believe they had been taken to Rome and placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Other reports from the 12th century suggest that his body is still in Constantinople.

The Seal of Isaiah

A clay seal unearthed in Jerusalem in 2019 and dating to the eighth century BC may bear the signature of the prophet Isaiah, according to Dr. Eilat Mazar of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Isaiah is said to have predicted the coming of the Messiah, which can be found in the book of Isaiah chapter 53.

In the Bible, Isaiah is described as a close advisor to Hezekiah, king of Judah, and the clay seal reading “Prophet Isaiah” was found near a seal bearing Hezekiah’s name in the Ophel, an ancient fortified area of Jerusalem.

‘We found the eighth-century BC seal mark that may have been made by the prophet Isaiah himself, just 3 meters away from where we previously discovered the much-discussed bulla of King Hezekiah of Judah.

‘If it is the case that this bulla is indeed that of the prophet Isaiah, then it should come as no surprise to discover this bulla next to a bulla bearing the name of King Hezekiah, given the symbiotic relationship of the prophet Isaiah and King Hezekiah described in the Bible.’

If it is confirmed to be the seal of Isaiah, it would be the first evidence of the prophet outside of the Bible.