Rare Megiddo Mosaic Revealed at Museum of the Bible in D.C

The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., has launched a new exhibit titled 'The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith,' in collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority. This exhibit features the Megiddo Mosaic, which dates back to the third century and is recognized as one of the earliest physical evidences of Christianity. The mosaic was discovered during a pre-construction archaeological dig at the Megiddo prison site in Israel, where it was part of the oldest known Christian worship site. Curator Alegre Savariego highlighted the significance of the mosaic, noting it includes the first archaeological instance of the phrase 'God Jesus Christ.' The mosaic also showcases early Christian symbols, such as the fish, and mentions five women by name, emphasizing their crucial role in the early church. This discovery is considered a major advancement for understanding early Christian practices and beliefs. The exhibit opened to the public on September 15 and will be available for viewing for nine months. After this period, it will travel to other venues before returning to Israel for a permanent display at the original site of its discovery. The mosaic is expected to provide valuable insights for church historians, akin to the impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls on biblical scholarship. Overall, the Megiddo Mosaic represents a significant archaeological find that sheds light on the early Christian community and its development in the Holy Land, offering a deeper understanding of the historical context of Christianity's origins.