Lysanias Tetrarch Inscription (Abila)
Temple dedication naming 'Lysanias the tetrarch' in the reign of Tiberius
Found 1737 — Copied by the traveller Richard Pococke (1737–38); published in CIG 4521; a second rock-cut copy (CIG 4523) recorded by 19th-century explorers
Where Abila Lysaniou (Suq Wadi Barada), near Damascus (Syria)
Dates from 14–29 CE · Early Roman Imperial · Start of Yochanan the Immerser's ministry (Luke 3:1)
Now at In situ (rock-cut copy) at Suq Wadi Barada, Syria; the copy Pococke recorded in the temple ruins is no longer fully legible
Names a biblical person Lysanias
How Lysanias Tetrarch Inscription (Abila) was found
A Greek dedication cut into the rock face near the Roman road and tombs at Abila of Lysanias (Suq Wadi Barada), north-west of Damascus, recording work by a freedman of Lysanias the tetrarch 'for the salvation of the Lords Augusti.'
What it is
A Greek rock inscription in which Nymphaios, freedman of 'Lysanias the tetrarch,' records building a road and a temple. The plural 'Lords Augusti' (Sebastoi) fits Tiberius and his mother Livia together, so 14–29 CE.
Why it matters for the Bible
Luke 3:1 dates the start of Yochanan (John) the Immerser's ministry by listing rulers, including 'Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene.' The only Lysanias known from Josephus was executed in 36 BCE, so critics called this a blunder. The inscription shows a tetrarch Lysanias ruling Abilene in the reign of Tiberius, just as Luke says. The identification of the 'Lords Augusti' and the exact dating are still discussed.
The Hebrew word: teh-TRARCH
טֶטְרַרְךְ
טֶטְרַרְךְ is pronounced teh-TRARCH and means ruler of a fourth part (Greek tetrarches) (Strong's G5075).
People this discovery connects to
- Lysanias — לוּסַנְיָס (loo-sahn-YAHS) — Greek Lysanias, tetrarch of Abilene
- John the Baptist — יוֹחָנָן הַמַּטְבִּיל (yo-chah-NAHN hah-maht-BEEL) — YHVH is gracious; the Immerser
Places
- Abilene — אֲבִילֵנֵי (ah-vee-LEH-neh) — Greek Abilene, district of Abila near Damascus
Events
Luke's dating of John's ministry to Tiberius' fifteenth year
Lysanias Tetrarch Inscription (Abila) in Scripture
Luke 3:1 Names Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene; the inscription confirms such a tetrarch under Tiberius.
Questions people ask
What is Lysanias Tetrarch Inscription (Abila)?
A Greek rock inscription in which Nymphaios, freedman of 'Lysanias the tetrarch,' records building a road and a temple. The plural 'Lords Augusti' (Sebastoi) fits Tiberius and his mother Livia together, so 14–29 CE.
When was Lysanias Tetrarch Inscription (Abila) discovered?
It was found in 1737 by Copied by the traveller Richard Pococke (1737–38); published in CIG 4521; a second rock-cut copy (CIG 4523) recorded by 19th-century explorers, at Abila Lysaniou (Suq Wadi Barada), near Damascus.
Where is Lysanias Tetrarch Inscription (Abila) today?
In situ (rock-cut copy) at Suq Wadi Barada, Syria; the copy Pococke recorded in the temple ruins is no longer fully legible.
Which Bible verses does Lysanias Tetrarch Inscription (Abila) relate to?
Luke 3:1.
Related discoveries
- טְבִילָהBethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)Yochanan's baptizing place on the east bank of the Jordan
- טָבַלMachaerusHerod Antipas' fortress east of the Dead Sea where John the Baptist was beheaded
- צוֹרֵף כֶּסֶףEphesus Artemis Inscriptions: Salutaris Foundation and the AsiarchsStones from the theater confirming the goddess processions, silversmiths, and provincial officials of Acts 19
- נְצִיבSergius Paulus InscriptionsStones from Cyprus, Rome, and Pisidian Antioch naming the proconsul who believed
- רָאשֵׁי הָעִירPolitarch Inscription (Thessalonica)Arch inscription proving Luke's rare word for city rulers was exactly right
- צֶלֶםTribute Penny (Denarius of Tiberius)'Whose image is this?' — the silver denarius with Caesar's portrait
Sources
- CIG 4521; OGIS 606
- Wikipedia, 'Lysanias'
- Whole Stones, "The Complete Text of the Abila Inscription Concerning Lysanias"
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