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Course: The British Museum > Unit 4
Lesson 2: Ancient Rome- Introduction to ancient Rome
- Marble bust of an old man
- Portrait of Vespasian
- Bronze head from a statue of the Emperor Hadrian
- Silver shekel of the Second Jewish Revolt, struck over a denarius of the Emperor Hadrian
- Hadrian, The imperial palace, Tivoli
- Marble statue of the emperor Hadrian
- Hadrian, The power of image
- Hadrian, Building the wall
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Silver shekel of the Second Jewish Revolt, struck over a denarius of the Emperor Hadrian
This silver coin shows how, in an act of defiance against Roman rule, the Jewish population in the province of Judaea over-struck portraits of the Emperor Hadrian with their own symbols.
Rebellion against Rome
Jerusalem had been destroyed by Roman forces in 70 C.E. and the Roman authorities prevented the Jews from rebuilding their temple, which was the focal point of their religious and cultural identity. Moreover, Hadrian decided to re-found Jerusalem as a Roman colony named Aelia Capitolina
This and other measures, such as banning circumcision, prompted the Jews to rise against Rome under their charismatic leader Simon Bar Kokhba, an assumed name, meaning "Son of the Star" (a reference to his divine claim to leadership). The Roman forces were taken by surprise and suffered heavy casualties.
The rebels established their own rule in the territory they held and Bar Kokhba took the title "Prince of Israel" (nsy’ Ysr’l). As well as over-striking Roman coins like this one, they minted their own with highly symbolic and deeply emotive motifs referring to the destroyed Temple of Jerusalem and the rituals associated with it. A new era of "Redemption" or "Freedom of Israel" was declared. Documents dated "Years One to Four" survive and cover the period from March/April 132 C.E. to the time when the Romans re-established control in the autumn of 135 C.E.
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- why do you not have any writing assignments ?? I have a love in writing but if you don't have any writing assignments then how are you supposed to teach children to really write? Just saying don't want to be rude. Thank you for taking this thought into consideration .(1 vote)
- my thoughts about your question:
1. this is a free academy, and i am inclined to think that type of capacity and energy to grade or comment millions of papers is not practical. and, answering and responding would initiate moot points and more discussion, and possibly disagreements that might interfere with the unity of teacher and pupil. i personally, could be a pupil of that sort. my suggestion.....why not write your thoughts in a notebook and sometime/someday they would provide insights supplemental to learning. judith eagan(6 votes)
- The Jewish people made their own currency?(1 vote)
- As an independent nation, they made their own currency. At the time of Jesus, the Jewish currency was accepted for offerings in the temple. Hence, the moneychangers at the door, who exchanged Roman and other currency for what would be accepted inside.(2 votes)