Bar Kokhba revolt coinage

Barkokhba-silver-tetradrachm

Bar Kokhba revolt coinage

The Bar Kokhba revolt coinage refers to the series of coins issued by the Jewish rebels during the Bar Kokhba revolt against the Roman Empire from 132 to 135 CE. These coins are significant historical artifacts that provide insight into the political and cultural aspirations of the Jewish rebels led by Simon Bar Kokhba.

Historical Context

The Bar Kokhba revolt was the third major Jewish-Roman war, following the First Jewish–Roman War (66-73 CE) and the Kitos War (115-117 CE). The revolt was led by Simon Bar Kokhba, who was regarded by many Jews as the Messiah. The coins minted during this period were part of the rebels' efforts to assert their independence from Roman rule and to promote Jewish nationalism.

Design and Symbolism

The coins issued during the Bar Kokhba revolt were primarily made of silver and bronze. They featured a variety of designs and inscriptions that reflected Jewish religious and nationalistic themes. Common motifs included:

• The Temple facade
• The Ark of the Covenant
• The lulav (palm branch) and etrog (citron)
• The Menorah
• Grapes and vine leaves

The inscriptions on the coins were typically in Paleo-Hebrew script and included phrases such as "For the freedom of Jerusalem" and "Year 1 of the redemption of Israel."

Types of Coins

The Bar Kokhba revolt coinage can be categorized into several types based on their denominations and materials:

• Silver Sela: The most valuable coin, often featuring the Temple facade and inscriptions promoting the freedom of Jerusalem.
• Silver Zuz: A smaller denomination, usually depicting the lulav and etrog.
• Bronze Prutah: The most common coin, often featuring grapes and vine leaves.

Minting and Distribution

The coins were minted in various locations throughout Judea, using overstrikes on existing Roman coins. This practice involved striking the new designs over the images and inscriptions of Roman coins, symbolizing the rejection of Roman authority and the assertion of Jewish sovereignty.

Archaeological Discoveries

Numerous Bar Kokhba coins have been discovered in archaeological excavations, particularly in the Judean Desert and Judean Hills. These finds have provided valuable information about the extent of the revolt and the areas under rebel control.

Significance

The Bar Kokhba revolt coinage is a testament to the Jewish resistance against Roman rule and the desire for national and religious freedom. The coins serve as a powerful symbol of Jewish identity and heritage, reflecting the cultural and political aspirations of the Jewish people during a tumultuous period in their history.

See Also

• Bar Kokhba revolt
• Simon Bar Kokhba
• First Jewish–Roman War
• Kitos War
• Temple in Jerusalem
• Paleo-Hebrew alphabet