Ancient Roman coin - The Black Stone of the Syrian god Elagabal

This Roman provincial coin was issued at Emesa, Syria during the reign of the
emperor Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161).

The reverse depicts the Black Stone of Emesa, which was worshiped in Syria
as the god Elagabal.



The stone is believed to be a meteorite. Such stones were very important in
the Syrian-Phoenician religion.

Elagabal had always been worshipped with much pomp and devotion, accompanied
by music and dancing. He had no statue, but was venerated as a
black stone with a round base and a pointed top. On coins, it is
usually shown with an eagle spreading its wings over the object in a
protective way.

The cult of Elagabal was later introduced into Rome by the emperor
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (AD 218-222) who was later known as
Elagabalus, after his stone.

In Rome, the god Elagabal was also known as Sol Invictus (the invincible sun).

Sol Invictus later became a major god of Rome in the 4th century,
and his birthday of December 25 is still celebrated in some places.

More information:
http://www.livius.org/ei-er/elagabal/elagabal.html

 

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Most interesting post, thanks

Q

 

HAve to agree a very interesting post and new info which is allways welcome :hail: Lovely looking coin as well

 

Very nice. I've been putting off getting one of this type for a while.

 

very good post thanks for sharing

 

Thank you for sharing

 

An interesting post and a great coin. Thank you.

Here's a different perspective:



http://www.forumancientcoins.com/moonmoth/reverse_sol.html


guy