Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 487 10 Mar 2021
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NABATAEA. Syllaios. Usurper, circa 9-6 BC. AR Unit (10.5mm, 0.98 g, 12h). Petra mint. Diademed head of Obodas II right / Aramaic shin (Syllaios) and ḥēth (Aretas) within wreath. Barkay, Usurper 4; CN 72; Meshorer, Nabataea, Sup 4. Lightly toned, scratches. VF.
Describing Obodas II's chief minister Syllaios, the historian Josephus writes "for the most part his [Obodas'] realm was governed by Syllaios, who was a clever man, still young in years and handsome." (Antiquitates Judaicae, XVI, 220) On the death of Obadas, Syllaios, likely positioning himself to become king, took control alongside Aretas IV, Obodas' son and intended successor. Within months he was brought to Rome, found guilty of murdering Obodas, and cast from the Tarpeian rock.
Describing Obodas II's chief minister Syllaios, the historian Josephus writes "for the most part his [Obodas'] realm was governed by Syllaios, who was a clever man, still young in years and handsome." (Antiquitates Judaicae, XVI, 220) On the death of Obadas, Syllaios, likely positioning himself to become king, took control alongside Aretas IV, Obodas' son and intended successor. Within months he was brought to Rome, found guilty of murdering Obodas, and cast from the Tarpeian rock.