Egypt, Leontopolites
Antoninus Pius, 138-161 CE
AE Drachm 34.00mm., 22.06g
Obv: ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤω[ΝΕΙΝΟϹ] ϹΕΒ ΕΥϹ; laureate-headed bust of Antoninus Pius wearing cuirass and paludamentum, right, seen from rear
Rev: ΛΕΟΝΤ]ΟΠΟΛΙΤ L Η; nome (Leontopolites): young Miysis standing, facing, head, right, holding spear and lion
Poole 1892 p. 344 No. 16; RPC IV.4 781
NEx Naville Numismatics 2024
Leontopolites was the 13th nome of ancient Egypt. In antiquity, it was home to an important synagogue and a large population of Jews. The temple was built under the reign of Ptolemy VI and was modeled after that in Jerusalem. It remained there for three hundred years until it was destroyed by Vespasian, who feared a revolt. Mentioned by Josephus, it was of similar size and appearance to that in Jerusalem, though appears to have been modified over the centuries.
73 BCE
The synagogue at Leontopolites is destroyed by Vespasian