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Megiddo Prison: Prisoner Unearths Christian Ruins 0ct 30, 2005 Due to a planned expansion of the Megiddo Prison the Israeli Archaeological Association has been doing routine research there for over a year, with nothing found. Then on October 30, Mr. Yotan Tepper's team of archaeologists and low-security-risk prisoners found something to talk about, “an incredible and important find.” Under the ruins of a Byzantine structure, mosaics were found that tentatively date back to the late 3rd or early 4th century. Experts estimate only 10% of the site has been uncovered as of yet. The current find includes two stunning mosaics and a small handful of historically tantalizing inscriptions. The ruins have been identified as Christian due to the presence of two fishes in the mosaic and an inscription referencing the Lord Jesus Christ. The fish was a Christian symbol that pre-dates the use of the cross. The use of the cross as a Christian symbol seems to have originated in the 4th century. It is inarguably a rare find. It is also without doubt connected with Christianity and an important historical find. However, is it a church? And is it really a church from a time when Christianity was outlawed and Christians persecuted? Inscriptions clearly bear the names of men and women who funded its construction. Although in the second half of the 3rd century it might have been less dangerous then at other times to be openly Christian, it certainly wasn't a safe thing to do. Christians were persecuted and their religion outlawed until the legalization of it by Roman emperor Constantine in 313 AD. There are a scant few archaeological precedents to support such an early dating of a Christian church. There is much controversy over the site. Interested communities must wait patiently to see what more will be revealed as the excavation continues. There are currently talks in progress concerning moving either the prison, or the archaeological finds. For specific information on the excavation, its finds, its dating and the controversy; as well as photographs and links to related sites please see: National Geographic has posted some images from the dig that can be found at: MSNBC has a short (2-3 min) video clip on the dig along with a widely web-referenced article by the Associated Press. These can be found at: *The Megiddo Church does not endorse the contents of this material, nor does it guarantee its accuracy
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