Fifth Roman procurator (governer) of Judea, Samaria and Idumaea (26-36 CE). His reign was characterized by high tensions between the Roman government and the Jewish people. While his predecessors, respecting the religious feelings of the Jews, removed all images from their standars on entering Jerusalem, Pilate allowed the soldiers to bring them into the city at night. He also hung up in the royal palace gilt shields dedicated to emperor Tiberius, and nearly provoked an insurrection (Jewish Antiquities, Book 18, Chapter 3, 55-59). Another provocation caused by Pilate occurred when he appropriated funds from the sacred treasury in order to provide for the construction of a water aqueduct to Jerusalem. The Jews’ riots following this provocation were suppressed by disguised soldiers carrying concealed daggers, who massacred a great number of rioters (Jewish Antiquities, Book 18, Chapter 3, 60-62). Pilate, unlike the other procurators of Judea, minted coins carrying pagan symbols - spatula and staff – both used by the Roman priests in their rituals. Pilate is mentioned in a Latin dedicatory inscription, a fragment of which was found in the Roman theater at Caesarea (today exhibited in the Israel Museum). Pilate is principally known for his participation in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.