Archaeology: the Pontius Pilate inscription

In 1961 archaeologists working at the Caesarea Maritima found a stone slab bearing the name of Pontius Pilate, who was involved in the trial of Jesus. The dedication states that he was the "prefect/governor" of Judea. The early governors of Judea were prefect rank, the later were of procurator rank, beginning with Cuspius Fadus in A.D. 44.

This is the oldest appearance of Pilate's name to be found, and it actually dates to the time of Jesus (Luke 3:1).

Kyle Campbell