Archive – Judaea
Agrippa’s Meeting of Kings at Tiberias
Josephus tells us of a most interesting meeting in Tiberias, apparently convened by Agrippa I (37-44 CE), grandson of Herod the Great, probably around 42 CE...
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Helena, the First Christian Pilgrim
Inspired by a visit of the church of Santa Croce. David Hendin recalls to us the story of Helena, mother of Constantine, a "rags to riches" story, which ends with the first Christian pilgrim establishing the tradition of pilgrimage to the Holy Land and bringing to Rome pieces of the True Cross... [ more ]
Pilgrim’s Ring and Coin of the Jewish War
This is the story of a ring, bought from an Arab in Jerusalem, the feasts of Shavout and Sukkot and a coin of the Jewish War... [ more ]
Surcharge of the Money Changers
Do you know, why there were money changers in the Temple of Jerusalem and how much they did earn? No, you don’t? Well, then you should read the article of David Hendin on this very special detail of every day’s life in the ancient Holy Land... [ more ]
The coin in the fish’s mouth
Matthew 17:24-27 reports that Peter found a coin in a fish’s mouth, which was meant for paying the Temple tribute. David Hendin explains what kind of coin it was and what was the most common silver coin in the ancient Holy Land... [ more ]
The temple of Zeus Hypsistos on Mount Gerizim near Neapolis
Present-day Nablus in Palestine had an intriguing history in antiquity. On near-by Mount Gerizim an old sanctuary of the Samaritans was situated which the Greeks and Romans re-interpreted and dedicated to Zeus. Only coins bear witness of the former significance of the temple. [ more ]
The ‘Modest Aphrodite’ from Nysa-Scythopolis (Beth Shean) and Ptolemais (Akko)
A comparison between a statue of Aphrodite found at Beth Shean and a coin type from the mint of Ptolemais reminds us of the realistic nature of statues appearing on city coins. [ more ]
New Exhibition of the ANS at the Fed: Coins of the Holy Land
A new exhibition, organized by the American Numismatic Society in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, illustrates the economic and religious aspects of the coins of the Near East... [ more ]
‘Wailing Wall’ built after Herod
Archaeological excavations permit a new view on one of the most contentious religious places of the whole world, the Jerusalem Temple Mount. Until now it was believed to be erected by King Herod. Coins point to a later completion... [ more ]
Numismatics in Jerusalem – Part 1
Actually, numismatics concentrates on quite a narrow space in Jerusalem. There is the Israel Museum, which accommodates beside its own collection the Israel Antiquities Authority as well. And only a fifteen minutes’ walk from there you will find the exhibition of the Bank of Israel. Follow us today to a visit at the Israel Museum. [ more ]
Free Bible Coin Reference is Updated
Mel Wacks’ Handbook of Biblical Numismatics is a reference work published online free of charge. Now, it has been updated. It features current prices and the numbers of the new Hendin manual. [ more ]
Coin hoard found in Israel
In the course of an archaeological excavation in southern Israel nearby Qiryat Gat a treasure hoard was found some weeks ago. Around 140 gold and silver coins and sumptuous gold jewellery date probably to the Bar Kokhba Revolt 132-135 AD. [ more ]