Tiberias was founded by Herod Antipas around 20 AD and named for the reigning emperor — a city built, awkwardly, over a graveyard, which made it ritually impure and largely avoided by observant Jews for generations. By the time this coin was struck in year 18 of Agrippa II's reign, the city had survived the catastrophic Jewish War of 66–73 AD largely intact, having submitted to Rome early. Agrippa II, who had sided with Vespasian during the revolt, retained his client kingship as reward — the dating formula on this issue reflects his continued administrative authority under Roman oversight.
Tiberias was founded by Herod Antipas around 20 AD and named for the reigning emperor — a city built, awkwardly, over a graveyard, which made it ritually impure and largely avoided by observant Jews for generations. By the time this coin was struck in year 18 of Agrippa II's reign, the city had survived the catastrophic Jewish War of 66–73 AD largely intact, having submitted to Rome early. Agrippa II, who had sided with Vespasian during the revolt, retained his client kingship as reward — the dating formula on this issue reflects his continued administrative authority under Roman oversight.