⚓ Did you know? The Marseille obolus ⚓
The Marseille obol is one of the first coins minted on French territory! Introduced in the 6th century BC by the Greek colonists of Phocaea, this small silver coin was used for nearly four centuries, until the 2nd century BC. 🌿
At that time, Massalia (today Marseille) was a true crossroads of Mediterranean trade, linking the Greeks to the Celts and other peoples of the region. The obol, often decorated with marine symbols such as the lion and the rudder, reflected the importance of maritime trade. ⚓
For centuries, these small coins have crossed the markets of the Mediterranean, testifying to the economic dynamism of the Greek city. Today, they are particularly prized by numismatists and ancient history enthusiasts. Imagine discovering an obol during a detection outing, a real tangible trace of Antiquity! 🏺💰
📜 Sources:
- Institute of Prehistory and Archaeology of the Alps and the Mediterranean: http://www.ipaam.fr/Assets/articlespdf/2006circulmon.pdf
📸 Illustration:
Author: J. Courtois
Marseille (Massilia) obole
Bare head of Apollo left
Four-spoke wheel.
