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MAIN MENU RECENT ADDITIONS PRICE REDUCTIONS ROMAN GREEK JUDEAN & BIBLICAL BYZANTINE BOOKS & SUPPLIES COLLECTING THEMES ANTIQUITIES |
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MAIN MENU RECENT ADDITIONS PRICE REDUCTIONS ROMAN GREEK JUDEAN & BIBLICAL BYZANTINE BOOKS & SUPPLIES COLLECTING THEMES ANTIQUITIES |
OUR FINEST COINS ARE LISTED FIRST. CLICK TO THE LAST PAGE FOR OUR BARGAINS. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FROM THIS CATEGORY - FORVM's PRIOR SALES  SYMBOLS ON HEROD'S COINS Acanthus leaves A common plant of the Mediterranean, whose stylized leaves form the characteristic decoration on Corinthian and Composite capitals. The acanthus leaves may have symbolized the arts or steadfastness, or perhaps they were just decorative. The Anchor: The anchor was adopted from the Selukids, who used it to symbolize their naval strength. Anchors are depicted upside down, as they would be seen hung on the side of a boat ready for use. The Caduceus: The caduceus is the wing-topped staff, with two snakes winding about it, carried by Hermes. According to one myth it was given to him by Apollo. The caduceus was carried by Greek heralds and ambassadors and became a Roman symbol for truce, neutrality, and noncombatant status. Herod was a friend to Rome and the caduceus was an appropriate symbol in that regard. The Cornucopia: The cornucopia was a hollow animal horn used as a container. One of the most popular religious symbols of the ancient world, the cornucopia is also know as the "horn of plenty." The Cross: The cross found on coins of Herod the Great is actually the letter "chi," which symbolized the power of the High Priest. Since Herod was not the High Priest, his use of this symbol was probably intended to reinforce his control of the Temple through "his" High Priest. The Diadem: The diadem symbolized royalty. The Grape and Grape Vine: Grapes, the vine and wine were an important part of the ancient economy and ritual. Grapes were brought to the Temple as offerings of the first-fruits and wine was offered upon the altar. The vine and grapes decorated the sacred vessels in the sanctuary and a golden vine with clusters of grapes stood at its entrance. The Pomegranate: The pomegranate was one of the seven celebrated products of Palestine and among the fruits brought to the temple as offerings of the first-fruits. Two hundred pomegranates decorated each of the two columns in the temple and were an integral part of the sacred vestment of the High Priest, as bells and pomegranates were suspended from his mantle. The Star: The star symbolize heaven. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
