Pontius Pilatus (Pontius Pilate) was a Roman governor of the province of Judea in the first century CE, serving under Emperor Tiberius from about 26 to 36 CE. He is best known for presiding over the trial of Jesus of Nazareth and ordering his crucifixion, an event recorded in the New Testament and remembered in Christian creeds.

Name and role

• The Latin form of his name is “Pontius Pilatus,” and in Greek it appears as “Πόντιος Πιλᾶτος,” usually romanized as “Pontios Pilatos.”

• His official position was prefect (governor) of Judaea, responsible for maintaining order, overseeing justice including capital punishment, and collecting taxes on behalf of Rome.

Historical background

• Pilatus came from the gens Pontia and belonged to the Roman equestrian (knight) class, a rank below the senatorial elite.

• Ancient authors such as Josephus and Philo describe conflicts during his rule, including incidents where his actions offended Jewish religious sensibilities and provoked unrest.

Later fate and traditions

• After violently suppressing a Samaritan gathering at Mount Gerizim, Pilatus was removed from office and sent to Rome to answer for his conduct, after which his exact fate is uncertain.

• Later legends and church traditions differ: some claim he was exiled and committed suicide, while others, such as in parts of Eastern Christianity, portray him as eventually converting and even venerating him as a saint.