The James Ossuary, a limestone box dating back 2,000 years, has stirred global debate due to its Aramaic inscription identifying 'James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus'. While the artifact itself is widely accepted as authentic and from the correct period, the inscription's legitimacy has been fiercely contested, particularly the reference to Jesus. The ossuary's emergence from the antiquities market rather than a formal excavation has complicated efforts to verify its origins and authenticity.

Israeli antiquities dealer Oded Golan, who owned the ossuary, was acquitted of forgery after a lengthy trial, though the Israeli Antiquities Authority maintained doubts about the inscription. Subsequent expert analyses have suggested that both parts of the inscription share ancient patina, bolstering claims of authenticity. Some researchers speculated a connection to the Talpiot tomb, but differences in style and dimensions have largely dismissed this theory.

Archaeologist Bryan Windle and other experts argue that modern testing supports the inscription's genuineness, suggesting the ossuary may have once held the remains of James, the first leader of the Christian community in Jerusalem. Despite ongoing controversy, the artifact remains at the center of scholarly debate over its historical and religious significance.