OBOLE Meaning and
Definition
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An obole is an ancient unit of weight and currency that traces its origins back to ancient Greece and Rome. In terms of weight, an obole was equal to approximately one-sixth of a drachm or about 0.57 grams. This weight unit was commonly used to measure small quantities of precious metals like gold and silver.
As a currency unit, the obole held significance in various ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece, it represented a small denomination of coin, usually the equivalent of one-sixth of a drachma. Similarly, in ancient Rome, an obole denoted a fractional unit of currency, worth half of an as. The coinage system often included different denominations, and the obole served as a smaller unit for everyday transactions or as an intermediary step towards higher denominations.
In addition to its practical usage, the term "obole" is also seen in various cultural contexts. For instance, in Greek mythology, the ferryman Charon received an obole as payment to transport the souls of the deceased across the river Styx to the underworld. This symbolic offering persisted throughout history in various burial customs and practices.
Today, the term "obole" is primarily used in historical and archaeological contexts to describe ancient weights and currency systems. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural and economic heritage of ancient civilizations.
Common Misspellings for OBOLE
- abele
- abole
- obol
- ibole
- kbole
- lbole
- 0bole
- 9bole
- ovole
- onole
- obkle
- oblle
- obple
- ob0le
- ob9le
- obolw
- obolr
- obol4
- obol3
- iobole
Etymology of OBOLE
The word "obole" can be traced back to the ancient Greek word "obelós", which referred to a small, flat, and round piece of metal. This term later evolved to denote a specific type of Greek coin, typically made of copper or bronze, with a distinctive shape that resembled an elongated oval or an oblong. The Latin term "obolus" was derived from the Greek "obelós", and it subsequently influenced several European languages, including English, where it ultimately became "obole". In various historical contexts, the word "obole" has been used to refer to small units of currency, donations, or offerings.
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