Pontius Pilate is one of the central characters in the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov "The Master and Margarita". His name, mentioned in the Bible, is closely connected with the last days of the life of Jesus Christ. Pilate, being the Roman governor in Judea, made a decision that became fateful in the short earthly life of a carpenter from Nazareth.
Procurator of Judea
At the beginning of a new era, Roman power established its direct rule in Judea. The province was headed by a procurator, who, however, would be more correctly called a prefect. Researchers have found that the governors of Rome began to be called prosecutors only in the II century, and before that they were called prefects. This governor had broad powers, although he obeyed the proconsul of Syria. Pontius Pilate became the fifth representative of the Roman government, who occupied this position by order of the emperor Tiberius.
The name "Pilate" is, apparently, a nickname that the Romans often wore. Usually it emphasized some distinctive feature of its owner. There is a version according to which this name comes from the name of a short throwing weapon - a dart, that is, it actually means "one who throws a spear." It is not clear whether the prosecutor received this nickname for personal military merits or by inheritance.
Sources describe Pilate as a cruel and arrogant ruler, who was patronizing the people subordinate to Rome of Judea. The procurator has repeatedly insulted the feelings of believers, speaking with disdain and contempt about the religious views of the Jews. Pilate repeatedly used temple money for other purposes, although it was intended for the construction of a water supply system in Jerusalem. The actions of the procurator have repeatedly led to unrest among the population of Judea.
