An ancient discovery is shedding new light on the history of the early Church. The Megiddo mosaic, which dates back nearly 2,000 years, is believed by experts to have decorated one of the earliest Christian sites of worship in Israel. The world was shocked by the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, but an even more astonishing find has been found beneath a maximum-security prison in Megiddo.
The mosaic not only bolsters belief in the divinity of Jesus, but could also change our understanding of the history of Christianity. The find is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, and could end long-standing debates about the origins of Christianity. But what makes it so important?
Excavations began in 2005 when a team of archaeologists discovered unusual remains beneath Megiddo, an ancient city in Canaan. Remarkably, the site lies directly beneath Megiddo Prison, which held some of Israel’s most dangerous criminals. The idea that such an important relic would be buried beneath a high-security prison was unexpected. When news of the discovery spread, it caused a stir, forcing historians and archaeologists to reassess previous understandings of early Christianity.
The mosaic dates to around 230 AD, nearly a century before the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) – a pivotal event that helped shape Christian doctrine. It may be the oldest evidence of belief in the divinity of Jesus. One of the ancient Greek inscriptions on the mosaic calls him “Christ of God”, confirming that as early as the 3rd century, Christians worshiped him not only as a prophet but also as God. This refutes previous theories that belief in the divinity of Jesus was only established after the Council of Nicaea.
Beyond its theological significance, the discovery also reveals much about the life of the early Christian community. Artifacts found at the site suggest that it was once a settlement near a Roman garrison and the Byzantine Legio city. This suggests that there was cultural and religious interaction between the communities in the area.
Today, the Megiddo mosaic has been carefully preserved and is on display at the Museum of the Bible, where it will be on view until July 2025. Researchers continue to analyze the findings to better understand the history of early Christianity and what it means for modern religious understanding. History has shown, once again, that the most important discoveries are sometimes right under our feet, waiting to be revealed.
### The position of King Charles III and the future of Prince George
King Charles III is currently the monarch of Australia, as Australia is a constitutional monarchy. This means that a king or queen will always be the head of state of Australia, even though it is an independent country. However, the role of the monarch is purely ceremonial. Upon his accession, Prince George will exercise statutory powers, like King Charles III, without directly running the country. One of his main responsibilities will be to appoint the Governor-General of Australia – the monarch’s representative – as well as state governors. These decisions will give him influence over Australia from afar.
### The tradition of changing his name upon accession
Upon becoming king, Prince George may choose to change his name, a tradition that allows the monarch to choose a name that suits his new role, although this is not mandatory. Queen Elizabeth II kept her birth name, but her father, King George VI, changed his name from Albert when he ascended the throne. Since both Queen Elizabeth and King Charles III kept their names, it is likely that Prince George will do the same. However, he may also choose a different name to mark a new era in royal history.
### Changing Royal Status
As monarch, Prince George will become the most senior member of the royal family, not having to bow to anyone. Currently, his father, Prince William, still bows to King Charles III, but when Prince George ascends the throne, the entire royal family will bow to him.
In addition, the title “Prince of Wales” that he currently holds will be passed on to his eldest son. Traditionally, this title is reserved for the heir to the throne. Currently, Prince William holds this title after King Charles III ascends the throne. When Prince George becomes king, his son will inherit the title.
### The Prerogatives of the Monarch
As monarch, Prince George will not need a passport, as British passports are issued in the name of the monarch. Queen Elizabeth II has never had a passport, as she issues them herself.
He will also continue the royal tradition of supporting charitable causes. Prince William has focused on issues such as mental health, conservation, and wildlife protection. When he ascends the throne, Prince George will likely continue these efforts, while also pursuing new initiatives to make a positive impact on the world.
One of the assets Prince George will inherit is the Crown Estate, which is controlled by the monarch but not part of his personal fortune. The monarch’s income comes from the Sovereign Grant, which helps fund royal activities and maintain royal properties.
### Royal Traditions
A long-standing tradition in the British royal family is for the monarch to be woken by the sound of bagpipes rather than an alarm clock. When Prince George ascends the throne, he will continue this ritual, maintaining a royal trait that has been around for more than a century.
In addition, he will become Supreme President of the Church of England, a title given to the reigning monarch. This responsibility includes appointing archbishops, bishops, and other religious leaders on the advice of the Prime Minister. He will also be given the title “Defender of the Faith,” a long-standing tradition in the British royal family.
### The Queen’s Role
When Prince George ascends the throne, his wife will be given the title “Queen Consort.” This is a title given to the wife of a reigning monarch, which carries a sense of respect but does not have the same ruling power as a “Queen Regent.” Similarly, a queen’s husband does not have the title “King Consort”, as is the case with Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
### The Life of Princess Diana
Princess Diana was a multi-talented person, especially in the field of music. She was a talented pianist, and also had skills in swimming and dancing, including ballet and tap dancing. Although education was not her forte, Diana spent a lot of time working with children, working as a nanny and a kindergarten teacher before marrying Prince Charles.
Diana met Prince Charles in 1977 under unusual circumstances, when he was dating her sister, Sarah. Although no one expected them to marry, their friendship continued after Charles’ relationship with Sarah ended in 1978. In the summer of 1980, at a party, Diana consoled Charles over the death of his close advisor, Earl Mountbatten. Her empathy left a deep impression on Charles, who decided to pursue a relationship with her.
Diana was then invited to Balmoral Castle, the royal retreat, to spend the summer with Charles and his friends. There, she gradually developed feelings for the Prince, and their relationship grew.
