Small Galilee coin hoard from Gallus Jewish revolt found

A small coin hoard containing coins of Emperors Constantius II and Constans I, dating to the 4th century AD. These coins are believed to date from the Jewish rebellion during the Gallus Revolt of AD 351-352.

1,600-Year-Old Coin Hoard Found in Galilee

Discovery Site: Hukok, an ancient Jewish settlement near the Sea of Galilee, known for its ties to Jewish resistance against Roman rule.

Discovery: A hoard of 22 copper coins was uncovered in a hidden underground complex—one of the largest and most intricate in the region.

Dating: The coins date to the 4th century CE, bearing images of Emperors Constantius II and Constans I.

Historical Context: Although the tunnels were carved initially during the Great Revolt (AD 66–70) and expanded during the Bar-Kochba Revolt (AD 132–136), the coins probably relate to the lesser-known Gallus Revolt (AD 351–352)—the last Jewish rebellion under Roman rule.

Significance: Researchers think the coins were hidden to be retrieved later, indicating the tunnels were reused during future crises.

Excavation Effort: Conducted jointly by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Zefat Academic College, with assistance from students, volunteers, and soldiers.

Public Engagement: The site is being developed for archaeological tourism, and the coin hoard will be presented at a conference hosted by Kinneret Academic College. A formal study will appear in the Israel Numismatic Research Journal.




https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-867877


Information about the Gallus Revolt:

⚔️ Background

Context: The revolt occurred during a period of instability in the Roman Empire, as Emperor Constantius II was distracted by a civil war in the West.

Gallus: Constantius appointed his cousin Constantius Gallus as Caesar of the East in 351 CE. Gallus governed from Antioch and faced unrest in Judea shortly after his arrival.

The Uprising

Location: Centered in Sepphoris (Diocaesarea), with spread to Tiberias, Acre, Bet She’arim, and Lydda.

Leaders: Led by Isaac of Diocaesarea and Patricius (Natrona)—the latter possibly seen as a messianic figure.

Trigger: Jewish frustration with Roman oppression and Christian proselytism, including destruction of synagogues and religious intolerance.

Initial Success: The revolt began with a surprise night attack on a Roman garrison, allowing rebels to seize weapons.

️ Roman Response

Commander: General Ursicinus was sent to crush the rebellion. He acted quickly and ruthlessly, destroying towns and suppressing resistance.

Aftermath: A permanent Roman garrison was stationed in Galilee. The revolt was decisively crushed, and Jewish autonomy was further diminished.

Legacy

The Gallus Revolt is considered the last major Jewish uprising against Rome, overshadowed by earlier revolts (the Great Revolt and Bar-Kochba).


Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus - Wikipedia