Pontius Pilate was the first Prefect of Judea to serve longer than two or three years. He was appointed by Emperor Tiberias in 18AD and served until 36AD. Tiberias was the first emperor to keep prefects in office, rather than replace them often. Josephus wrote that Pilate was installed in 26AD, but that has been challenged by scholars in the last fifty years from new evidence, giving us the 18AD installation. Gratus, who preceded Pilate was found to have retired in 18AD after serving three years. Tiberius assumed the throne in 18AD, then giving the Judean office to Pilate.