ArchaeologicalDebatedVerified
Caiaphas Ossuary
What Was Found
The Caiaphas ossuary is an ornate limestone box used for secondary burials in ancient times. It was discovered in 1990 in a burial cave in the Peace Forest south of Abu Tor, Jerusalem. The ossuary is inscribed with the name 'Joseph, son of Caiaphas' and contains the bones of a 60-year-old man. It is associated with the historical figure Caiaphas, who is mentioned in ancient records as a high priest.
Why This Matters
The ossuary provides archaeological evidence for a figure named Caiaphas mentioned in historical records.
Acceptance Assessment
Debated Among Scholars
Declared authentic by some archaeologists but listed under controversial artifacts.
What Scholars Debate
It is listed as controversial among artifacts in biblical archaeology.