Most terms lasted one to three years.
Pilate's lasted 11 years from 26 to 37 A.D.
Some historians attribute that to his friendship with King Herod. The trial of Jesus was the turning point for the two men, who (prior to this) had been enemies.
Pilate was the fifth governor of Judea. He had a talent for making valuable allies. His friendship with Caiaphas the high priest was also said to smooth his tenure in Judea.
Pilate's time in Judea ended following a problem that arose in Samaria regarding some sacred vessels allegedly hidden by Moses on Mount Gerizim. Pilate misread the situation as an excuse for an uprising, and sent his forces into Samaria were many people were slain.
The Samarians angrily appealed to Rome and cited the massacre as a graphic example of the incompetence of Pilate's whole administration.
Pilate was summoned to Rome to stand trial before the Emperor Tiberius, and his rule of Judea came to an end.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw