Pontius Pilate: Deciphering a Memory

by Aldo Schiavone, Jeremy Carden (Translator)

The Roman prefect Pontius Pilate has been cloaked in rumor and myth since the first century, but what do we actually know of the man who condemned Jesus of Nazareth to the Cross? In this breakthrough, revisionist biography of one of the Bible’s most controversial figures, Italian classicist Aldo Schiavone explains what might have happened in that brief meeting between the governor and Jesus, and why the Gospels—and history itself—have made Pilate a figure of immense ambiguity.


Pontius Pilate lived during a turning point in both religious and Roman history. Though little is known of the his life before the Passion, two first-century intellectuals—Flavius Josephus and Philo of Alexandria—chronicled significant moments in Pilate’s rule in Judaea, which shaped the principal elements that have come to define him. By carefully dissecting the complex politics of the Roman governor’s Jewish critics, Schiavone suggests concerns and sensitivities among the people that may have informed their widely influential claims, especially as the beginnings of Christianity neared.


Against this historical backdrop, Schiavone offers a dramatic reexamination of Pilate and Jesus’s moment of contact, indicating what was likely said between them and identifying lines of dialogue in the Gospels that are arguably fictive. Teasing out subtle but significant contradictions in details, Schiavone shows how certain gestures and utterances have had inestimable consequences over the years. What emerges is a humanizing portrait of Pilate that reveals how he reacted in the face of an almost impossible dilemma: on one hand wishing to spare Jesus’s life and on the other hoping to satisfy the Jewish priests who demanded his execution. Simultaneously exploring Jesus’s own thought process, the author reaches a stunning conclusion—one that has never previously been argued—about Pilate’s intuitions regarding Jesus.


While we know almost nothing about what came before or after, for a few hours on the eve of the Passover Pilate deliberated over a fate that would spark an entirely new religion and lift up a weary prisoner forever as the Son of God. Groundbreaking in its analysis and evocative in its narrative exposition, Pontius Pilate is an absorbing portrait of a man who has been relegated to the borders of history and legend for over two thousand years.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, World History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 19, 2016

About the author

Aldo Schiavone (1944) è uno degli storici italiani piú tradotti nel mondo: in inglese, francese, spagnolo, arabo, cinese. Ha insegnato nell'Università di Firenze, dove è stato preside della Facoltà di Giurisprudenza; nell'Istituto Italiano di Scienze Umane, di cui è stato fondatore e direttore; nella Scuola Normale Superiore. È membro dell'Institute for Advanced Study di Princeton e dell'American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Tra i suoi libri pubblicati per Einaudi: Italiani senza Italia (1998), Ius. L'invenzione del diritto in Occidente (2005, 2017), Storia e destino (2007), Spartaco. Le armi e l'uomo (2011, 2016), Ponzio Pilato. Un enigma tra storia e memoria (2016, 2017), Eguaglianza (2019) e La storia spezzata. Roma antica e Occidente moderno (2020).

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is very little here on Pontius Pilate. Most of the book is about what is known and what isn’t about the capture of Jesus and how his “trail” may or may not have progressed.

The prose is stilted, using a long word or convoluted phrase when a short one would suffice.

From the book I learned that Pilate may have been appointed to his post as Prefect of Judea by Tiberius and seemed to keep his favor. He was married to Procla. His residence was in Caesarea and there are many rumors about his death. I found more about him on Wikipedia than in this book.

I learned that Jesus was most likely captured by Temple guards. The rest included speculation on whether a “trail” happened. Was he taken to Antipate? Was there really an offer to switch was Barabbus? Were there really crowds saying that Jesus should be killed?, etc.

This book would be for a Biblical scholar, not for a general reader.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won an ARC of this book in a goodreads drawing.

Synonymous with evil for almost two millennia, for the last several years there has been a small movement to show us that he wasn't such a bad guy. This is a fair example of the genre.

The author purports to show exactly what happened between the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. He makes some good points, but I don't buy all of his arguments. Your mileage may vary.

Certainly appropriate for Easter.

[paper0r0ss0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saggio storiografico di eccellente qualita' espositiva e scientifica. Una ricostruzione puntuale e riccamente argomentata di cio' che si conosce dell'operato di Ponzio Pilato, governatore di Giudea, e inevitabilmente del suo rapporto con il prigioniero di nome Gesu'. Lettura davvero interessante.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the print edition, not the Kindle one. Impressively researched, this book examines the events of Holy Thursday and Good Friday as recounted both in the Synoptic Gospels and in John's. The author meticulously analyzes Pontius Pilate's words and actions as presented in the Gospels as well as offers a description of Pilate's pre and post-Jesus' career.

[Lucas Tamargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un buen libro en general. Tal vez demasiado tendente a la especulación, a la petición de principio y a los lechos de Procusto, pero dada la parquedad y la naturaleza de las fuentes son los bueyes con los que hay que arar. Perfecto para hacerse una idea de las relaciones entre los judíos y el poder provincial en época Julio-Claudia, y del clima que llevaría a las crisis de Alejandría y Judea de época de Calígula.

[Patrick Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as can be expected? Schiavone expertly sifts through extant sources and plies his considerable general knowledge of the period to weave a compelling biography. Lacking extensive ancient material that would allow a "birth to death" life narrative, he focuses his scholarship expounding on the most historical event of his life--the trial of Jesus--and reconstructing it as probably as possible. I can see where this will be unsatisfying to many, since there is much that he himself admits is scholarly speculation. Of course much of history comes down to this kind of best-guess, though in popular history these guys of the process are often suppressed to provide an authoritative narrative. The ancient evidence he does bring in, both to the particulars of the trial and the more general functioning of Roman provincial management in the First century, makes an interesting read on its own, and his theories regarding Pilate are thought provoking if nothing else.

[Daniel Farabaugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I got this book I thought that it was a biography of Pontius Pilate but I realized that this was not what this book was going to be. Unfortunately, while it does have some biographical elements, there is just not enough info on his life. This is really a close reading of the gospel exchanges with Jesus. These are interesting, although the author is clearly a believer and this colors some of his analysis. But it was interesting.

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Problematic from the start, and more problematic as it went on.

The big issue is that Schiavone puts a high historicity value on all four canonical gospels and John the highest. That’s even though John was written last, and also even though many narratives in all four, without necessarily going as far on this issue as Thomas Brodie, were likely creations by the gospelers and not Jesus’ actual actions.

Specific to the matter at hand, he ignores the likes of Hyam Maccoby (and others) who say that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem smacks a lot of Sukkoth, not Passover and Unleavened Bread. Of course, if there is a “Cross Gospel” or whatever behind all four canonical gospels, this too may be part of a writer-created narrative.

So, Schiavone is writing a historical fiction narrative about something that is itself narrative first, history second, at all. And, we haven’t even talked about Mark (and thus, the other Synoptics directly and John semi-directly in this portion of his gospel) being dependent on Paul.

That said, the one early thought-provoking item? That the Jerusalem priesthood must have been in advance contact with Pilate. Jesus wasn’t just dropped into his lap. He cites John noting Roman troops were present at the arrest. But, John doesn’t say they were “Roman.” Could they have been troups of Antipas, also called on by Roman procurators during the main festivals?

And, yes there is reason to believe Judas was an invention. If “Ish Kerioth” is the correct root, he’s the only disciple outside Galilee. Paul doesn’t mention him, and a proper translation if I Corinthians 15 is “handed over/up” (or “arrested” if one wants to be non-Gnostic), not “betrayed.” Doesn’t deal with alternative version this was an anachronistic use of “Sicarius,” or that Jesus had a Zealot in his circle.

Self-contradiction: If this was all planned in advance, why would the Sanhedtrin, even if not all priestly, not all Sadducee, be having an “agitated” session? It would either not be agitated, or there would be no session at all; Caiaphas et al would have gone straight to Pilate.

Herod WAS a Jew, and even by modern matrilineal descent Orthodox definition. Schiavone claiming otherwise means already just one-quarter in that we’re at 2-star territory.

The next chapter looks more promising, about Jesus’ extended dialogue with Pilate in John. Riffing on Josephus’ account of Pilate’s aqueduct-building, he says Pilate asked Jesus to himself state the charges as part of making sure that the Sadducees & Sanhedrin and priesthood weren’t laying a trap for him. Only problem? This dialogue is a Johannine invention. First, contra Schiavone’s claims elsewhere, John had no access to a scribe standing in the corner. Second, John’s “the Jews” phrase makes an appearance here.

Worse? In the middle of the chapter, Schiavone goes into a brief excursus, off one of Jesus’ sayings, into classic post-Chalcedon Christology. We’re now moving into 1-star territory and I’m racing for the finish line.

But wait! It gets worse. In the first five pages of the next chapter, Schiavone first indicates he knows nothing about how John uses “the Jews,” then shows that he believes Barabbas was a real person and the release story is real and was a general custom. As part of this, he ignores the pun in Barabbas’ name. I stopped reading. This isn’t a Roman law professor’s academic attempt to make a historical reconstruction. It’s a believer’s historic fiction account, if that.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always found Pilate an interesting figure. Here is the moment where Jesus seems to enter the historic record before a Roman governor who is not quite sure what to make of the accused. The exchange between them is also curious. Who is leading the conversation here? Certainly, Pilate is offering Jesus a way out and would be happy to foil his Jewish counterparts who are trying to force an action he is rightly suspect of assenting to. Is he outmaneuvered, frustrated or conceding for other reasons? Unfortunately, there is not much known of Pilate either so we have a game of deduction and educated guesswork which does provide more questions than answers but still some good food for contemplation. Schiavone is authoritative, deeply read and careful in delivery.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long believed that Pilate held the majority of the responsibility for the death of Jesus, that hostility toward Jewish powers-that-be in the Gospel narratives was reflective of the hostility between the Jewish and Christian camps when the gospels were written decades later. However this superb book caused me to reexamine the very real possibility that Pilate was more innocent in the matter and that the Jewish leaders really were " that bad."

I don't see how a scholar can approach Jesus' last day without r adding this book.

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ultimately I liked the analysis, thought it well-argued and interesting, far more compelling than some of the textbook analyses that are predicated less on close readings of texts and more on prior expectations. That said, the writing could be hard to follow, and Schiavone often made what appeared to be bold, unsubstantiated assertions; only five or six pages later did he follow up with an actual argument. Also, while being well-argued, evidence of anything from this time period is rare, tenuous, and often somewhat corrupted, so his conclusions must remain largely speculative.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schiavone reconstructs Pilate’s origins, rule, and end as much as is possible given the available sources. He presents a detailed account of his interaction with Jesus, leading up to his crucifixion. The work he does in this book makes Pilate come to life as more than just a hazy figure. He was the voice of Caesar in the encounter with Jesus.

[Frank L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much historical data to go on so author can only speculate on Pilate's personality and his interaction with Jesus. Book could have used simpler terminology. Does make you rethink Pilates culpability for his actions.

[Darel Krieger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject matter was very important and worth reading about. The author was knowledgeable about this subject but I found it hard to follow along due to the theology aspects he was talking about. Still it was worth my time.

[Kendra Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Well researched and well written.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final conclusion of this book is quite intriguing and calls for extended thought.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author does a good job writing about a man who didn't leave much of a footprint
and his meeting with Christ( Christ trial)

[Edward L.]

146

[Svalbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Giudea, duemila anni fa, ci furono grossi casini.

...E non per modo di dire. Diverse fazioni di potentati ebraici si davano addosso le une con le altre, nonché contro Roma, che aveva conquistato la regione e faticava a mantenere la pace. Se poi a questo si aggiunge che un mezzo squilibrato proveniente dalla Galilea se ne andava in giro parlando di pace e fraternità, in realtà fomentando disordini… Mancavano solo i musulmani, che sarebbero arrivati all’appuntamento con la storia solo molto tempo dopo (ma i palestinesi c’erano già e stavano a Gaza). In mezzo a tutto questo bailamme, un governatore romano, tale Ponzio Pilato, mandato dall’imperatore Tiberio, cercava di fare il suo lavoro alla meno peggio. I culti e le credenze ebraiche, con la loro ripugnanza per le immagini e la fede in un Dio unico, gli risultavano incomprensibili. Doveva mediare i rapporti tra i vari gruppi, e tra questi e Roma. Nello stesso tempo, fare il suo lavoro ordinario, che era quello di pronunciare la legge e di promuovere lavori pubblici. Un bel giorno si presentarono i sacerdoti del sinedrio portandogli in catene lo squilibrato di cui sopra, accusandolo in maniera pretestuosa e infamante, e chiedendo la sua morte. Come sia andata a finire, in un modo o nell’altro si sa, basta leggere i vangeli. Quello che spesso però nei vangeli manca, è l’approfondimento storico, e l’attenzione alle dinamiche umane e personali dei soggetti coinvolti nella vicenda. Sono gli aspetti che approfondisce invece questo bel libro, parlando specificamente di Pilato, un oscuro funzionario entrato nel mito e nella storia (e nella preghiera, visto che viene menzionato nel Credo) per essersi trovato al posto giusto nel momento giusto; o meglio, al posto sbagliato nel momento sbagliato. Molti storici che si sono avvicinati a Pilato lo hanno definito un personaggio di rara incapacità e inconcludenza, prendendo in particolar modo a riferimento altre testimonianze storiche non particolarmente encomiastiche; al contrario, Aldo Schiavone ha un approccio molto più sottile: cerca di comprendere il ruolo del funzionario romano approfondendo tutti gli aspetti storici, giuridici, umani che gli competevano e che ne hanno determinato il comportamento. In sostanza, Pilato era tenuto a prestare ascolto ai sacerdoti ebrei e alle loro accuse. Nello stesso tempo, non trovava nessun ragionevole motivo per accusare Gesù e condannarlo a morte, oggi si direbbe perché “il fatto non sussiste”. Però, accogliendo quello che dicono i vangeli, scremato da incongruenze storiche, viene fuori tutto il dubbio e l’incertezza di un uomo di legge posto davanti a un altro uomo segnato dalla volontà ferrea e da una grande carica spirituale. Lui gli avrebbe salvata la vita; ma, nel corso dei vari interrogatori in qualche modo arrivò a percepire la “volontà di morte” del suo interlocutore, e assecondarlo divenne per certi versi il soddisfacimento e il rispetto del suo volere. Resta da capire perché Gesù “volesse” morire. Forse sperando che la sua morte avrebbe provocato una sollevazione popolare, la quale avrebbe rovesciato la casta degli odiati sacerdoti? O più semplicemente per dare compimento alle scritture profetiche, con tutto ciò che questo avrebbe comportato per la religione ebraica? Parrebbe che al contrario i sacerdoti lo volessero morto proprio nel timore che i suoi fedeli se la prendessero con Roma e con il delicato equilibrio che reggeva la Palestina, richiando di produrre una reazione devastante per tutti. Quello che è certo, come risulta dai libri di Augias, è che Gesù non aveva nessunissima intenzione di fondare il cristianesimo

[Alessandro Fasanaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ponzio Pilato è di quegli uomini che entrano nella Storia loro malgrado. Quel grano di imprevedibilità che mette in dubbio la solidità della narrazione del nostro passato. Di sicuro egli non immaginava che la condanna di Gesù l’avrebbe immortalato nei secoli dei secoli e amen. Per lui era quasi ordinaria amministrazione. Né si può dire che un altro prefetto romano in Giudea si sarebbe comportato tanto diversamente. Il suo ingresso nella memoria collettiva si deve insomma al caso. Come può accadere all’uomo che dà la coltellata decisiva fra le mille a Cesare o al capostazione che fischia il segnale di partenza al primo treno di deportati per Auschwitz.

Di Pilato tuttavia si è parlato e si parlerà ancora, perché tutto ciò che ha a che fare con la vita del Messia cristiano deve essere amplificato, spolpato, succhiato fino al midollo. Non se ne deve tacere o sottovalutare nulla. Così la figura del procuratore della Giudea, a furia di interpretazioni sempre più poetiche, è via via assurta a contorni drammatici: da semplice funzionario statale, egli diventa l’uomo che avrebbe potuto salvare Gesù dalla morte e non l’ha fatto. E perché non l’ha fatto? A tale domanda si son date troppe risposte.

L’ultima arriva dallo storico campano Aldo Schiavone, che ricostruisce (meglio: prova a ricostruire) la vera vicenda di Pilato usando le pochissime fonti disponibili e soprattutto l’ormai quasi dimenticato metodo storico-critico. ‘Ponzio Pilato. Un enigma tra storia e memoria‘ ci restituisce quindi un personaggio sfrondato da ricostruzioni mitiche e contestualizzato nella realtà sociale e politica del suo tempo. Da qui parte per indagare poi sulle ragioni delle suddette interpretazioni, talvolta colpevoliste, talvolta innocentiste, elaborate dalla tradizione cristiana. Infine, il giudizio dell’autore su quanto effettivamente avvenne nel processo a Gesù: il primo, vero conflitto tra due mondi culturali destinati a passarsi il testimone. Un saggio non incisivo ma, dato l’argomento, di una serietà quasi sorprendente.

“Quid est veritas?”
(Vangelo secondo Giovanni 18:38)

[Fabio Arcangeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

L'ONORE RITROVATO
DI PONZIO PILATO11!!!!1!
"Patì sotto Ponzio Pilato, …"
E' la lettura raccomandata della settimana santa - e lo sia per tutti ed ogni fede oppure no. Ci unisca nella scoperta di un grande personaggio dell'Impero. Mal capito da una sterminata letteratura.
Dall' ex Presidente Ist. Gramsci, che ci trasporta nel mondo giudaico-romano verso il 30 dC con una erudizione MOSTRUOSA.
E' uno dei libri più conchiusi e perfetti mai scritti (a modo suo), un autentico viaggio nel tempo, dentro quella atmosfera, equilibri sociali e regole che lo studioso di Diritto Romano conosce profondamente; e ha lavorato molto sul libro: non ancora un facillone romanzo storico o le stupidaggini Templari ma un saggio scientifico, storico a tesi (si sia d'accordo o no: una tesi di grande umanità, finezza psicologica ed un Realismo Magico, ma non quello di Gabo).
Libro fruibile dalle persone mediamente colte; ma non e' strutturato solo a scopo e di natura divulgativa, sta a cavallo tra l'alta divulgazione, diffusione di cultura da un lato, e dall'altro la ricerca. Ha anche una dimensione spirituale, ma lasciata all'autogestione del lettore.
La bibliografia-note e' un capolavoro a se stante, un libro a parte e traccia di studi. Ma, anche fermandosi qui, le "dritte" sulle fonti storiche su Cristo e l'epoca sono preziosissime, vanno subito al dunque e, pur sempre discutibili, molto imparziali finalmente!
Quindi e' stato costruito per vari livelli di fruibilita', riuscendici penso.
No spoiler: non vi dico quale sia la tesi del prof. Schiavone, e voi non andate a sbirciare "l'assassino" alla fine, c'e' ritmo e suspence nella sua costruzione.

[Maurizio Codogno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aldo Schiavone è un importante studioso di diritto romano, il che significa che si sa muovere alla perfezione in quel mondo. In questo libro, in un certo senso un divertissement, ha deciso di parlare di un personaggio su cui abbiamo pochissime fonti, eppure è noto a tutti: Ponzio Pilato. Per i curiosi: sì, esiste anche qualche frammento non cristiano che parla di lui, insomma è davvero esistito. Solo che non è che la documentazione sulla Giudea (o sulla Palestina, se preferite) del tempo sia poi così ricca: ai romani più che altro interessava che arrivassero i tributi. Detto questo, Schiavone riesce comunque a imbastire una storia plausibile, partendo dall'assunto che i Vangeli non siano un testo storico come lo pensiamo noi ma che soprattutto Giovanni abbia comunque scritto la verità, anche se non tutta la verità... ma se continuo vi toglierei la sorpresa nel leggere l'ipotesi che lui propone nelle ultime pagine. Devo dire che ho trovato le prime pagine del libro un po' pesanti, ma dal secondo capitolo in poi la prosa è cominciata a scorrere bene. Si può credere o non credere (a Schiavone, cosa pensavate?) ma lo si può comunque leggere.

[Rbojanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although slow starting – I truly enjoyed the book.

What I found most intriguing was the authors interpretation of John and the final dialogue between Pilate and Jesus. He dismisses the written account in John and offers an alternative perspective; both Pilate and Jesus understood the necessity and inevitability of what was to come – Pilate was not intimidated or coerced, nor did he simply submit to the will of the crowd, he understood much more than the Gospels reflect. This is interesting and worth reflection.

“I am convinced that from a certain moment onward, the one indicated (and then hidden) by John, the governor put all the pieces together into a single picture, fully grasped the prisoner’s attitude, and became persuaded – strongly influenced by the man’s aura – not to oppose his design.” p.162

If the author is correct, why would this be obfuscated by John?

The lack of historical record, leaves much to the interpretation of the author. His arguments, while not definitive, are interesting and worth the read.

[JEAN-PHILIPPE PEROL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spécialiste du monde romain , Aldo Schiavone nous entraine dans sa version révolutionnaire des relations entre Ponce Pilate et le fondateur du Christianisme. S'appuyant sur Flavius Josèphe, Philon, Tacite et Tertullien, mais aussi en rappelant l'intérêt historique incontestable des 4 évangiles, il tente surtout de reconstituer le fameux dialogue trop souvent résumé à "Je m en lave les mains". Pour l'auteur, Pilate est au contraire le premier à avoir compris tout le sens que Jésus aurait, selon les croyants, donné à sa mission. Et c est en désormais complice de cette mission - et non comme bourreau- qu'il contribue à l envoyer au Golghota. Au delà de cette thèse qui sera sans doute contesté tant par les historiens - car reposant sur beaucoup de supputations- que par les chrétiens - car ne s'appuyant que sur des faits historiques et sur leur interprétation-, le livre fourmille par ailleurs de faits et de descriptions sur la vie de la Palestine Romaine.

[Rick Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schiavone brings a very helpful perspective to understanding the arrest and "trial" of Jesus. As a studied classicist, he knows his way around Roman legality in the various areas under the Empire's control. He knows the historical context. He has sifted through the records and the allusions, both contemporary and retrospective in the Roman record. He judges the Fourth Gospel's account more reliable than the synoptics, and identifies probable glitches in its account. Schiavone believes Pilate was genuinely impressed by Jesus, and did not want to crucify him. He did for two reasons: He still needed a working relationship with the chief priests and elders, and he was convinced that Jesus refused to pursue his own defense because he himself believed his death was a necessary completion of his work.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, that sometimes veers into the over dramatic.

It's less a reconstruction of Pilate's life than an investigation into the Passion narratives. But that's not surprising given that Pilate survives in nothing but a handful of documents. Along the way Schiavone raises new inconsistencies, tries to get inside of Pilate's head, and does what all great historians do: create a narrative out of the most ephemeral documentation.

[Dave Capers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, am I the first person to read the English language version? Anyway I am by no means an expert on Ancient Rome or the Bible but much of this book was still accessible to me and has inspired me to do further reading on the subject.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

you (Pilate) believed he wasn't guilty & you wanted to set him free.
Its a shame that you(Pilate) did not make a Legal Roman standing-- overriding his accusers accusations & releasing that innocent man--

[David Allen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched considering how little information there is, plus some logical conclusions from Scripture. I recommend it.

[Alessandro Nicolai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molto interessante nel tracciare non solo la figura storica di Pilato, ma anche nell inquadrarlo nel contesto storico della dominazione romana in Giudea, si legge bene e da interessanti spunti