5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols 5 Things About the Megiddo Mosaic
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Oct 15, 2025 Explore the remarkable Megiddo Mosaic, a testimony to early Christian faith from AD 230. Discover the artist's signature, revealing the rarity of signed mosaics. Meet Gyanus, the centurion who financed this masterpiece. Delve into the symbolism of the fish medallion, an early Christian emblem. Learn about the table's role in the Lord's Supper celebration. Finally, witness an inscription that boldly names Jesus as God, showcasing the vibrant Galilean Christian community.
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Artist Signature And Craftsmanship
- The Megiddo Mosaic is signed by its artist, Brucius, which is rare among ancient mosaics.
- The mosaic's creation required layered preparation and skilled tesserae work, showing professional craftsmanship.
A Centurion As Church Benefactor
- The mosaic names Gyanus (Porphyris), a centurion, who funded the mosaic and is called "our brother."
- This indicates a Christian centurion openly supported and donated to the church in AD 230 despite Christianity being illegal.
Fish Medallion As Central Symbol
- The mosaic features a prominent fish medallion in an octagon instead of a cross, reflecting early Christian symbolism.
- Two fish (a sea bass and a tuna) occupy the central symbol used by this community before the cross dominated Christian iconography.