Money, Power and Pride in the Second Jewish Revolt against the Romans (132-136 CE): The Coinage of the Bar Kochba War—The Medium and Its Messages

The Bar Kochba war was a popular uprising led by a charismatic leader in which an autonomous Jewish community actively took part. The Bar Kochba coins were an effective tool for maintaining broad public backing for the struggle.

Analyzing the coins as a communications medium reveals the Bar Kochba administration`s use of the coins to communicate their economic, political and ideological messages with Jews in Judea. Through repeated use of evocative symbols and inspiring slogans, the coins were essential in fostering popular support.

The coins` production and distribution was representative of the economic and political interactions and differing worldviews of the Jews and the Romans. The coins` rational and emotional messages focusing on money (economic autonomy), power (political authority) and Jewish pride presented a practical call to action and a tangible response to the challenges facing Jews in the land of Israel.

Analysis of the historical context supports the contention that it was natural for the Bar Kochba administration to exploit Roman coins in circulation and build on their implicit significance as a communications device. Numismatic research is examined through the prism of communications theories (e.g. diffusion theory, images as a communications medium, and visual culture). This analysis highlights the ideological messages – economic autonomy, political power and Jewish pride – the coins transmitted. Their distinct Jewish symbols (e.g. the Four Species) infused them with religious, spiritual and nationalistic significance.