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Pontius Pilate
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Painting of Pontius Pilate washing his hands, wearing ornate robes and a turban, as an attendant pours water over his hands into a silver dish, with two figures in the shadowed background. Stone sculpture by Josep Maria Subirachs on the Passion Facade of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, showing Pontius Pilate washing his hands as a figure holds a bowl. The Easter Story Medieval illumination by Jean Fouquet showing Jesus before Pontius Pilate and Caiphas, surrounded by guards, with Barabbas standing below among soldiers and craftsmen. Pontius Pilate
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Overlooking the Roman Forum with Temple of Saturn in Rome, Italy
The Roman Empire
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Painting of Pontius Pilate washing his hands, wearing ornate robes and a turban, as an attendant pours water over his hands into a silver dish, with two figures in the shadowed background.
Matthias Stomer: Pilate Washing His Hands Pilate Washing His Hands, oil on canvas by Matthias Stomer, c. 1650; in the collection of Musee du Louvre, Paris.

Pontius Pilate

governor of Judaea
Also known as: Marcus Pontius Pilatus
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

Pontius Pilate (died after 36 ce) was a Roman prefect (governor) of Judaea (26–36 ce) under the emperor Tiberius who presided at the final trial of Jesus and gave the order for his crucifixion. According to the traditional account of his life, Pilate was a Roman equestrian (knight) of the Samnite clan of the Pontii (hence his name Pontius). He was appointed prefect of Judaea through the intervention of Sejanus, a favorite of the Roman...

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