Biblical scholars are falling over themselves to point out reasons that James Cameron’s “The Lost Tomb of Jesus” is a bad piece of investigation. Ben Witherington of Asbury Seminary lists some quick thoughts notably that Jacobovici’s claim that one of the ossuaries belongs to Mary Magdalene is without evidence. All historical references to Mary Magdalene use the name “Maria.” The ossuary bears the inscription “Mariamenou” (belonging to Mary.)
Jacobovici, however, tries some historical sleight of hand by suggesting that the name on the ossuary refers to the name “Mariamne” found in a 14th century copy of a 4th century gnostic writing. This document does not, apparently, make any reference to Mary Magdalene. It is simply one scholar’s speculation that links the Mariamne in the Acts of Phillip to Mary Magdalene in Biblical literature.
If Cameron honestly hoped to rock the world of Biblical scholarship, then the Lost Tomb of Jesus is turning into a disaster epic. It makes you wonder what he’ll do for an encore.
Mary Magdalene is never historically called “Mariamne.” The only connection between Mary Magdalene and the name Mairamne is one person’s speculation that the Mariamne named in a 14th century copy of a 4th century document is actually Mary Magdalene.