The new exhibit is set to open this fall, It features a decorative mosaic floor from one of the oldest sites of Christian worship. The splendidly decorated hall at Dura-Europus in northern Syria and this building are the earliest known Christian worship sites in the world.
The Megiddo Mosaic — which dates to the third century — formed part of the floor of the oldest site of Christian worship ever to be discovered. The mosaic, and the building containing it, were uncovered 20 years ago by Dr. Yotam Tepper from the Israel Antiquities Authority. It was discovered during a pre-construction archaeological dig in the Megiddo prison in Israel. Eventually, prisoners worked alongside the archaeologists to uncover the rare discovery. The mosaic was preserved by the IAA and was covered, until today.
Carlos Campo, chief executive officer at Museum of the Bible, said, “We are thrilled to serve as the inaugural site to premiere this groundbreaking piece of history and are grateful to the Israel Antiquities Authority for its trusted partnership as we’ve worked together to present the mosaic to the world.”
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.’ Also featured on the mosaic are one of the earliest examples of a fish being used as a Christian symbol and the names of several of the church’s patrons — a Roman centurion, an artist, and five women.