Newly discovered inscription 'to God Jesus Christ' at Megiddo dates from 3rd century
In 2005, the remains of an ancient church were discovered in the grounds of the prison at Megiddo, Israel.
This church, which measures 10 metres by 5, has mosaics on the floor including fish – the fish was used as a symbol of Christianity before the cross.
Most importantly, one of these mosaics includes an inscription with the words 'to God Jesus Christ.'
The church was used by Roman soldiers stationed at Megiddo, and was part of a large building complex which included living quarters for Roman officers, ritual baths, and a bakery.
Archaeologists have dated this church building to around 230 AD. This means it is the earliest Christian church building discovered in Israel – and the inscription is the earliest inscription anywhere mentioning Jesus Christ.
In The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown claims that Jesus' first followers believed he was just a mortal teacher and leader, and that he was made the Son of God in 325 AD, by a vote at the Council of Nicaea. This vote was taken at the insistence of the Roman emperor Constantine, for his own political reasons.
Dan Brown's claim never had any historical basis, but this latest discovery confirms just how shaky it is: this inscription talks about Jesus as God about a hundred years before the Council of Nicaea.
National Geographic article: Ancient Church found at Israeli Prison
Guardian article: Holy Land's 'Oldest Church' found at Armageddon