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Tracing the Shekel: A Currency's Journey Through Ancient Civilizations

The shekel, a term that resonates through the annals of ancient history, is more than just a currency—it's a testament to the evolution of trade, economy, and society in the ancient Near East. Its journey from a simple unit of weight to a symbol of economic power illuminates the complexities of ancient civilizations.

Origins and Evolution

The shekel's origins can be traced back to Mesopotamia, around 3000 BCE. It was not initially a coin but a unit of weight approximately equal to 11.3 grams, used to measure commodities like gold, silver, and other goods in the bustling trade networks of the ancient world.

The term "shekel" is derived from the Semitic root of Akkadian "šiqlu" or Sumerian "šiqla," meaning 'to weigh'. This etymology underscores its fundamental role in trade and economic transactions.

Map of Ancient Mesopotamia & The Fertile Crescent.

The Shekel in Mesopotamia

In Mesopotamia, the shekel facilitated the trade of goods within and beyond the city-states of Sumer. It was during this era that writing and record-keeping began to develop, partly to track transactions involving shekels. Tablets from this period, inscribed with cuneiform script, provide evidence of a sophisticated economic system where the shekel played a central role.

The Shekel in Phoenicia

Phoenicia, renowned for its seafaring and trading capabilities, played a pivotal role in the dissemination and use of the shekel as a standard measure for trade. The Phoenicians, operating from city-states like Tyre and Sidon, extended their trade networks throughout the Mediterranean, spreading the use of the shekel as a unit of weight and, eventually, as a form of currency. Their influence was instrumental in the adoption of the shekel in regions far beyond their homeland, facilitating trade across vast distances. The Tyrian shekel, in particular, became famous for its high purity silver content and was widely accepted in trade and for paying tribute, showcasing the economic might and technological sophistication of Phoenicia.

Phoenicia, Arados Silver Shekel – Galley Pataikos on Prow. Date: 420-400 BC. Source: SC Ancients Ltd

The Introduction of Coinage

The transformation of the shekel from a unit of weight to a coin marks a significant milestone in economic history. By the late 7th century BCE, Lydia (in modern-day Turkey) introduced coins as a medium of exchange. This innovation spread to other regions, including the Levant, where the first shekel coins appeared around the 5th century BCE.

These shekel coins, often made of silver, bore inscriptions and symbols representing the issuing authority, enhancing their credibility and acceptance in trade. The Tyrian shekel, for example, became renowned for its high silver content and was widely used in trade and as tribute payments, including the famous Temple tax in Jerusalem.

 Matthew 21:10-13:  And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying: 'Who is this?' And the crowds said, 'This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.' And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them 'It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you make it a den of robbers.'

 

PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. Silver Shekel Source: CNG Coins

 The Biblical Shekel

The shekel holds significant prominence in biblical texts, illustrating its importance in ancient Hebrew society. It served as both a unit of weight and currency, used in religious offerings, dowries, and penalties. The Torah specifies the shekel's weight in relation to the sanctuary shekel, a standard for religious and civil transactions.

The Shekel through Empires

As empires rose and fell, the shekel adapted to the changing political landscapes. The Persian Empire standardized the weight systems, incorporating the shekel into their extensive economic network. In the Hellenistic period, following Alexander the Great's conquests, the shekel continued to be minted, often featuring Greek deities and symbols alongside traditional ones.

The Roman Empire's expansion into the Levant introduced Roman currency, but the shekel persisted, especially in Jewish communities, symbolizing resistance and identity. The Bar Kokhba revolt (132-136 CE) saw the issuance of shekel coins as a declaration of independence from Roman rule.

Bar Kokhba Revolt Silver Shekel. 132-135 AD. Obverse: the Jewish Temple facade with the rising star, surrounded by "Shimon". Reverse: A lulav, the text reads: "to the freedom of Jerusalem".
 

The Shekel's Legacy

The legacy of the shekel is profound, influencing modern currencies and economic thought. Its evolution from a weight measure to a symbol of sovereignty and resistance highlights the intricate relationship between economy, culture, and politics in ancient societies.

Today, the shekel lives on as Israel's currency, the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), a nod to this ancient unit of commerce and trade that shaped the economic landscape of the Near East.

Conclusion

The shekel's journey from the ancient city-states of Mesopotamia to its modern incarnation as a national currency is a fascinating saga of adaptation and resilience. It encapsulates the economic innovations, cultural exchanges, and historical tumults of the ancient world. As a bridge between past and present, the shekel continues to be a symbol of continuity, embodying the rich tapestry of human civilization.

 

  1. "A History of the Ancient Near East, ca. 3000-323 BC" by Marc Van De Mieroop - This book provides a comprehensive overview of Near Eastern civilizations, including discussions on economic systems that would have used the shekel.

  2. "Coinage in the Roman Economy, 300 B.C. to A.D. 700" by Kenneth W. Harl - Although focusing on Roman coinage, this work gives insights into how the shekel interacted with emerging coin systems.

  3. "Economy and Society in Ancient Greece" by Moses I. Finley - Offering a broader view of the economic practices in ancient Greece, this book helps contextualize the use of shekels in wider Mediterranean trade.

  4. "The Archaeology of Money: Proceedings of the Workshop 'Archaeology of Money'", University of Tübingen, October 2013. Edited by Leif Isaksen and Stefan Krmnicek. This collection of essays includes discussions on early forms of money, including shekels, in various ancient societies.

  5. "Tyre: The History of Phoenicia, Palestine and Syria, and the Final Captivity of Israel and Judah by the Assyrians" by R.B. Serjeant - Provides insights into the role of Phoenician cities like Tyre in the development and spread of the shekel.

  6. "Silver, Money and Credit: A Tribute to Robartus J. van der Spek on the Occasion of his 65th Birthday", edited by K. Kleber and R. Pirngruber - This collection includes various studies on ancient economies, including the use of silver and shekels.

  7. "Weights and Measures in the Ancient World" by Marvin A. Powell - This work is cited for its detailed examination of ancient systems of measurement, including the shekel.

  8. "The Bible as History" by Werner Keller - Provides insights into biblical references to the shekel and its use in ancient Israel.

 

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