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
This is terrific! Overshadowed is right! I didn’t think there were enough Jews left after the revolts ca. 68AD, ca. 132AD and one little know revolt during the reign of Antoninus Pius ca.144AD - but it is not an area I know much about although I should since I am Jewish. Speaking of little known history I was reading Procopius Wars and they apparently found the Menorah (I think that it what it was) illustrated being carried on the arch of Titus after the Vandals were conquered and brought it back to Constantinople circa 550AD(?) The book said the Jews requested it but I stopped reading the book about a year ago and do not recall if it was given to the Jews. It pretty much disappeared after that - finding it would be the discovery of the century - that and the buried site of Attila the Hun! (Among dozens of other of histories mysteries)
Here's the official short video on the find: 1,600-year-old coin hoard found in complex tunnel system under Galilee dates to last Jewish rebellion against Romans | Live Science Barry Strauss, a prolific author on the Classical world, has written what seems to be an interesting book about earlier conflicts between Ancient Rome and the Jews (see below). Although I believe he doesn't delve into the Gallus Revolt mentioned above, he does discuss earlier conflicts in the first and second centuries AD: ️ The Three Major Jewish–Roman Wars before the Gallus conflict 1. The First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 CE) Cause: Rising tensions over Roman taxation, religious interference, and corrupt governance. Key Events (some recorded by Flavius Josephus): Jewish rebels seized Jerusalem. Rome responded with a brutal siege led by General Titus. Destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE—an event that profoundly shaped Jewish history. Final resistance at Masada, where Jewish defenders committed mass suicide rather than surrender. Outcome: Massive loss of life, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the start of a widespread Jewish diaspora. 2. The Kitos War (115–117 CE) Cause: Jewish uprisings in Roman provinces like Egypt, Cyprus, and Cyrenaica during Emperor Trajan’s reign. Key Events: Jewish communities revolted violently against Roman rule. Roman retaliation was swift and severe. Outcome: Annihilation of Jewish populations in several regions; deepened Roman hostility toward Jews. 3. The Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE) Cause: Emperor Hadrian’s ban on circumcision and plans to build a Roman temple over the ruins of the Jewish Temple. Leader: Simon bar Kokhba, possibly seen by many as a messianic figure. Outcome: Massive Jewish casualties: Roman forces under Emperor Hadrian crushed the rebellion with overwhelming brutality. Ancient sources like Cassius Dio estimate 580,000 Jews killed, though this number is debated. Many towns and villages were razed, and survivors were enslaved or displaced. Destruction of Judea: The province was devastated. Archaeological evidence reveals widespread ruin, particularly in rebel strongholds like Betar, where Bar Kokhba made his final stand. End of Jewish political autonomy: The revolt ended hopes for a restored Jewish kingdom. Bar Kokhba, hailed by some as the Messiah, was killed, and no further large-scale Jewish military uprisings occurred in Judea. Religious and cultural suppression: Hadrian briefly banned circumcision, renamed Judea as Syria Palaestina to erase Jewish identity, and rebuilt Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina, a Roman city with a temple to Jupiter on the Temple Mount. Diaspora deepens: The Jewish population in Judea was decimated. Many Jews fled or were exiled, speeding up the move toward a dispersed, diasporic identity.
