Faith and Rebellion: The First Jewish War, Early Christianity, and the Coins That Tell Their Story
The First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 AD), also known as the Great Jewish Revolt, was a defining moment in ancient history. It marked a violent clash between the Roman Empire and the Jewish population of Judea, culminating in the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD by future emperor Titus. While this war primarily involved the Jewish and Roman communities, its reverberations were felt across the early Christian Church, which was still in its infancy. The coins struck during this period offer crucial insight into the ideological, political, and religious upheavals of the time.
The Triumph of Titus, painting by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1885
Background: Tensions in Judea
Tensions in Judea had been simmering for decades under Roman rule. Heavy taxation, religious restrictions, and the presence of Roman symbols and troops in Jerusalem deeply angered many Jews. In 66 AD, a full-scale revolt broke out. Zealots seized Jerusalem, and war engulfed the region. The Roman response was swift and brutal, leading to a years-long campaign of siege and suppression.
The war culminated in the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, during which the Second Temple—the center of Jewish worship—was destroyed. This event became a turning point not only for Judaism but for early Christianity as well.
Early Christian Saints and the War’s Impact
Although Christians were a small and still-forming sect during the First Jewish War, several early saints and leaders of the Church lived through or were affected by this turbulent period:
St. James the Just, regarded as the first bishop of Jerusalem and a relative of Jesus, was martyred in Jerusalem around 62 AD, just a few years before the war began. His leadership helped shape the early Jewish-Christian community in the city.
The Apostles, many of whom were still active during this time, spread the message of Christ across the Mediterranean. The chaos in Judea likely accelerated the dispersion of Christians and their teachings beyond the region.
The Flight to Pella: Early Christian sources record that believers in Jerusalem, heeding Jesus' warnings about the coming destruction (as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels), fled to the city of Pella in the Decapolis region. This move preserved much of the early Christian community from the catastrophe.
Coinage of the First Jewish War
Coins minted during the First Jewish War were not merely monetary tools—they were powerful symbols of rebellion, identity, and defiance.
Jewish Revolt Coinage:
The Jewish rebels issued their own coins to assert independence from Rome. These coins are remarkable for their distinct religious and nationalistic imagery:
Silver Shekels and Half-Shekels:
These coins bore Hebrew inscriptions and religious symbols such as pomegranates, chalices, and the Omer cup used in the Temple.
Typical inscriptions included phrases like “Shekel of Israel” and “Jerusalem the Holy.”
Bronze Prutot:
These smaller coins carried similar themes and often featured palm branches, a symbol of Jewish resistance.
Year Markings:
Jewish War coins were often dated by the years of the revolt (e.g., “Year One,” “Year Two”), emphasizing their connection to the struggle.
Roman Victory Coinage:
In response to the war's end, the Romans minted Judaea Capta (“Judea Captured”) coins to celebrate their victory:
Vespasian and Titus Coinage:
These coins depicted a mourning female figure (Judea) seated beneath a Roman trophy, often accompanied by the words “Judaea Capta.”
The obverses featured portraits of Emperor Vespasian or his son Titus, highlighting the Flavian dynasty’s triumph.
Propaganda and Power:
These coins were widely distributed across the empire, reinforcing the might of Rome and warning against rebellion.
A Faith on the Margins
During the war, the early Christian Church remained somewhat separate from the revolt. The destruction of the Temple, while devastating for Judaism, was interpreted by some Christians as the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecies. It marked a significant shift in Christian identity—from a sect within Judaism to a distinct and increasingly Gentile movement.
The coins of the First Jewish War capture the duality of the era: the passionate fight for Jewish sovereignty and the grim efficiency of Roman retribution. Meanwhile, Christianity, though not yet powerful or prominent, began to find its footing amid the rubble of Jerusalem.
Conclusion: Symbols of Struggle and Survival
The First Jewish War was a crucible of destruction and transformation. For the Jewish people, it meant the loss of their temple and a deep cultural wound. For early Christians, it clarified their identity and mission. The coins struck during this era—both Jewish and Roman—are historical artifacts that symbolize resistance, triumph, faith, and survival.
These coins are more than collectibles; they are testimonies to the resilience of belief and the enduring consequences of empire, revolution, and religious awakening.
Relief on the Arch of Titus depicting the Temple spoils carried during the triumph procession of 71 AD