Tiberias was founded by Herod Antipas around 20 AD on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, built deliberately over a cemetery — a fact that made the city ritually impure under Jewish law and initially populated by force. By Hadrian's reign the city had recovered its standing, and this early issue, struck in the first or second regnal year following his accession, reflects the civic ambition of a mint eager to acknowledge the new emperor quickly.
Tiberias was founded by Herod Antipas around 20 AD on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, built deliberately over a cemetery — a fact that made the city ritually impure under Jewish law and initially populated by force. By Hadrian's reign the city had recovered its standing, and this early issue, struck in the first or second regnal year following his accession, reflects the civic ambition of a mint eager to acknowledge the new emperor quickly.