Coin of the Bar Kochba Rebellion Against Rome
133-134
1 1/4 x 1 3/16 x 1/16 in. (3.1 x 3 x 0.1 cm)
Unknown, Roman
Roman
Object Type:
Numismatics
Medium and Support:
Bronze
Credit Line:
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Alexander
Accession Number:
1995.26
Location: Currently on view
During the Roman occupation of Judaea, Jews restamped foreign coins with Hebrew inscriptions and Jewish symbols, such as the palm tree signifying the holy menorah of the Temple. These coins provided financial and moral support to their rebellion against Rome in 133 CE.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
Led by Shimon Bar Kochba, Judaea rebelled against Roman rule for the second time in 132 C.E. The revolt was brutally crushed by Julius Severus in 135. This coin, crudely restruck over a Roman one (bronze was at a premium), features a palm tree on one side and grape leaves on the other.
[Gallery label text, 1995]