Israeli archaeologists discovered on the territory of the Old city in Jerusalem rare bronze coin of the time of the uprising of Simon Bar Kochba against the Romans, which served as a symbol of resistance.
according to The Jerusalem Post, this coin is a rare find. Just know the order of 22 thousand of coins found in the Old town. But this coin was only the fourth, which not only refers to the period of the revolt of the Jews against the Romans under the leadership of Shimon Bar Kochba, but also symbolizes it.
the rebellion broke out around 132 ad by the Emperor Hadrian after the Romans founded a colony in the area and was built on the Temple mount has a sanctuary dedicated to the God Jupiter. In fact, it was the attempt to restore Jewish statehood. But the rebellion was crushed in 136 year.
the Main goal of the rebels was the capture of Jerusalem, but to conquer this town they never could. Archaeologists believe this because the rebels of Bar Kochba minted in a small number of coins. One of them was found. Moreover, previous similar finding was made 40 years ago.
the Main feature that makes this extremely rare artifact is the presence of two inscriptions. On one side the Hebrew letters is written the word “Jerusalem” on the other “the Second year of the freedom of Israel.” In addition, on a coin minted image of bunches of grapes and palm trees, but this is the usual symbols for the coins of Bar Kochba.
the Artifact was discovered during excavations in the Archaeological Park of William Davidson. It is located between the Temple mount and city of David.
According to archaeologist Donald Zvi Ariel, during the Bar Kochba coins were often used not only as a means of payment, but also as tools of propaganda. In addition, it was one of the most effective ways to notify citizens about important changes, for example, the change of ruler.
“this practice was used mainly in relation to the silver coins, while bronze coins, less valuable, often used in economic exchanges, said Ariel. – In the days of the Hasmoneans, the Jews minted their own silver coins. The first time they were minted in Jerusalem during the first Jewish revolt against the Romans between 66 and 70 years old.”
According to him, it was then that the rebels for the first time with the help of coins tried to say: “here We are, an independent nation from the Romans.” The rebels of Bar Kochba probably decided to apply this experience and have also started to make statements with the help of coins.
an Open question is only about how and when this artifact came to the territory of the Old town, which the rebels never made it. Ariel gave a possible explanation. It lies in the fact that this coin there as a souvenir brought Roman legionary.
