[17th Miss Regt]

except that Pilate was actually competent.

Not really. He had screwed up a couple of prior postings and was sent to Palestine as a last chance. While he was in Palestine one of his most influential protectors back in the Senate died leaving him with little back up in that body. That is why when the Sanhedrin came to him and threatened to go to Rome with their accusations he threw in the towel and ordered the crucifixion.

[45Auto]

I agree, Pilate was anything but competent. He angered the same Sanhedrin a bit later by placing golden shields in the Temple with his name on them. The Sanhedrin complained to Rome and Pilate was recalled by the Emperor Tiberius. Before Pilate reached Rome, Tiberius died and was replaced by Caligula. It is said that Pilate came to a bad end under Caligula, but the details are sketchy. I believe the story was written by Josephus, in one of his volumes of his Antiquities