P.Col.7.171 is a petition from 324 CE of Aurelius who was assaulted while attempting to prevent livestock from trampling crops. He provides vivid details of the attack, including (the earliest) reference to a monk and a deacon, without whom the attackers would have "done me in."

475-500 CE mosaic from a monastery in Scythopolis excavated in 1959 by Tzori. 41 fluttering beribboned birds in unique poses indicate Sasanian (neo-Persian/Parthian) influence, i.e. arch-rivals of Rome. Image and inscription speak of peaceful ties between traditional enemies.

A little piece I wrote yesterday, "What happens to Australia's money now the Queen has died? And why are leaders' faces on coins anyway?" theconversation.com/what-happens-t… via The Conversation - Australia + New Zealand

We are about to have a new king in the Commonwealth and therefore we must change the coins. But who among us knows anything about the science and history of coinage, this bizarre dark art called “numismatics.” Enter Michael P. Theophilos

For any at SBL 2022 who are desirous to robustly integrate numismatic primary source material into their research, you are warmly invited to our workshop session, S19-237.

We also have a fantastic line-up of papers at SBL 2022 in Denver, Colorado for the open call section for numismatic evidence and biblical interpretation.

The earliest depiction of a building on an ancient coin is RRC 385/1, a denarius minted in Rome in 78 BCE, issued by M. Volteius. Attested in over 100 hoards in antiquity.

The Temple of Venus (built 118 BCE) depicted on this coin (57 BCE). Connections with other ancient temples: 1) mountain as sacred space, 2) gate and wall demarcate boundary. Gate > mountain > temple structure = increasing spheres of holiness. Cf. Jerusalem temple.

RPC III.6038. Egypt became a Roman province after Cleopatra's death in 30 BCE. Egypt maintained its own coinage, with Greek inscriptions and Egyptian themes. This drachma of Hadrian (134-135 CE) has a temple with the goddess Isis between tapered pylons.

Continuing our foray into temples on ancient coins. Notice the connections: eagles (Mt 24:28), destruction by fire (Mt 22:7), garlands (1 Peter 5:4) etc.

Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger) Rome’s war god. His temple was home of the military standards (signa), lost by Crassus in 53BC, regained by Augustus in 20BC, celebrated on coinage. Obverse has the domed, circular temple with one of the standards visible between the central columns

Octavian/Augustus and his numismatic temples

Ancient coins often featured images of gates, often representing the power of rulers or gods.

The use of gates on ancient coins can reflect the importance of order and control in ancient cultures, as gates, roads, bridges etc. were often used to regulate the movement of people and goods.

The depiction of gates on ancient coins also reflects the high level of craftsmanship and artistic skill of ancient coin-makers

The presence of gates on ancient coins can also provide insights into ancient architecture and city planning.

Turns out you can learn a ton about the 1st-century world of the New Testament by studying ancient coins. In this fascinating episode, special guest ⁦Michael P. Theophilos⁩ shares his biblical coin collection. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bib…

Come and join us for this numismatic session on Monday at SBL #aarsbl23. Thunderbolts, Thrones, and Rainbows. Hardcopy handout includes your very own sample of emerald, carnelian, jasper or crystal quartz!

Proud to learn that John Lee has been awarded a higher doctorate by the University of Cambridge. The Doctor of Divinity degree will be conferred on him a little later this year. A richly deserved honour for a master of ancient Greek language and lexicography. ASCS

A Taxonomy of Professional Interpersonal Dynamics at SBL: From Roommates to Strategic Avoidance