Archaeologists working off the coast of Israel have reportedly discovered a large port city that contains what experts say is the “most compelling physical evidence to date” supporting the Bible. UK news.
These findings appear to confirm events in the Bible
This remarkable discovery was made in the former city of Caesarea Maritima, now a huge archaeological park, some 30 miles from present-day Tel Aviv. The city was built by Herod between 22 and 10 BC and had a huge port, aqueduct, a theater and a public stadium, all of which remain today. Caesarea Maritima is mentioned several times in the Book of Acts, which portrays the port city as a major center of early Roman political and Christian influence. Based on the evidence found, it is believed that early Christians lived and worshiped at Caesarea Maritima, which matches accounts in the New Testament.
Caesarea Maritima is mentioned many times in the Bible
Caesarea Maritima in the Bible is also known as the place where the first non-Jewish Christian believer was baptized by the Apostle Peter, an event that marked the spread of the Christian faith beyond the Jewish community. This was also the city where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned and subsequently tried before Roman officials, an event also described in the Book of Acts. After the city was abandoned in 1265, it remained untouched until archaeological excavations began in the 1950s.
Detailed mosaics citing Paul’s letters have been found throughout the ancient city, including some thought to be the oldest inscriptions in the New Testament. One of the mosaics quotes a line from Romans 13:3: “Don’t you want to fear authority? Do good and you will be praised by them.”
Caesarea Maritima is the home of the legendary Pilates stone
The site also houses the legendary Pilates Stone, which was discovered during an excavation in 1961 and still bears an inscription declaring Pontius Pilate the Roman Governor of Judea. The discovery is the first concrete archaeological evidence that Pontius Pilate, the biblical figure who oversaw the trial and execution of Jesus, was a real historical figure. A partially visible inscription reads: “Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, dedicated this to the holy Augustus Taberium.” It dates to between 26 and 36 AD, directly matching the timeline described in the Bible. The original stone is now in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, while the replica is now in Caesarea Maritima.
Archaeologists have also unearthed a number of ancient buildings that had never been discovered before, including the governor’s residence and the official residences of other high-ranking government and military officials (called yamen). These extraordinary finds will soon be open to the public as part of a large-scale expedition to the Caesarea Maritima Archaeological Park.
This article was originally published by Men’s Journal on January 8, 2026, and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Men’s Diary as your go-to source.
