An ancient Chrsitian artisact was finally unveiled as a temporary exhibit at the Museum of the Bible in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The exhibit, titled “The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith,” showcases artwork dating back to the days of the early church in the third century. The mosaic is on display for the first time since it was discovered.
Reportedly, officials at the Museum of the Bible claim that the mosaic was found on the floor of the oldest Christian worship hall that has ever been discoveredim. The Megiddo Mosaifouncovered about 20 years ago whenan archeological dig at the Megiddo prison unearthed the artwork.
“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,’” according to Alegre Savariego, curator of the exhibition on behalf of the IAA.
The website for the exhibit reads, “Journey back in time 1,800 years ago to the land of Israel during the Roman Empire. Discover the story of faith that united a Roman centurion, an artist, and five women, inspiring them to create a spectacular mosaic floor and provide a table for worship dedicated to “God Jesus Christ.” This beautifully preserved mosaic, now called the Megiddo Mosaic, reveals a deeper understanding of early Christian worship and the people who gathered there.”
“Conserved by the Israel Antiquities Authority earlier this year, the Megiddo Mosaic will be on display for the first time ever in Washington, DC. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the foundations of the early church from a time before Christianity was legally recognized by the Roman Empire, exclusively at the Museum of the Bible,” the exhibit’s description reads.
The artwork represents a monumental piece of Christian history that shares a magnitude of importance along with other famous relics, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. “The mosaic underscores the crucial role of women in the early church by the fact that 5 women are mentioned in it by name. Truly, the mosaic presents a wealth of new data for church historians, like the Dead Sea Scrolls did for Bible scholars,” Bobby Duke, Museum of the Bible interim chief curator and scholars initiative director said.