A History of the Jewish People in Coins – Art Friedman, Ph.D.

Shekel of the First Revolt, ca. 68 CE

What was the first Jewish symbol to appear on a coin?  Is there any mention of coins in the Tanach? How did ancient rulers treat their Jewish subjects and who were the best (and worst) of them from a Jewish perspective?  What historical Persian king is believed to have been Ahasuerus? What Greek despot gave us the holiday of Chanukah? What Roman tyrant, whose cruel actions led to the Bar Kochba revolt, is described in the Eileh Ezkerah which is recited on Yom Kippur?  

Come and hear Dr. Art Friedman answer these questions and others with actual ancient coinage from the 4th century BCE through the 2nd century CE.