Obol meaning

Obol is a unit of weight or currency in ancient Greece, typically silver, equal to one sixth of a drachma.


Obol definitions

Word backwards lobo
Part of speech The word "obol" is a noun.
Syllabic division o-bol
Plural The plural of obol is obols.
Total letters 4
Vogais (1) o
Consonants (2) b,l

Obol is an ancient Greek unit of currency that dates back to around the 6th century BCE. It was a small silver coin that held significant value in the ancient world.

History of Obol

The obol was commonly used in ancient Greece as a form of payment for various goods and services. It was also used as a burial offering to the deceased to pay for their passage into the afterlife.

Value of Obol

The obol was a small denomination of currency, equivalent to one-sixth of a drachma. It was used for small transactions and was often given as wages to soldiers and laborers.

Symbolism of Obol

In Greek mythology, the obol held symbolic significance as it was placed in the mouths of the deceased to pay Charon, the ferryman, for passage across the river Styx into the underworld.

Legacy of Obol

Although no longer in use, the obol remains a significant symbol of ancient Greek culture and mythology. It is often referenced in literature, art, and popular culture as a representation of the afterlife and the passage into the unknown.

Obol serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural traditions of ancient Greece. Its value and symbolism continue to intrigue historians and archaeologists to this day.

Overall, the obol was more than just a form of currency - it was a symbol of passage and transition in both life and death.


Obol Examples

  1. In ancient Greece, an obol was a silver coin worth one-sixth of a drachma.
  2. The ferryman Charon required an obol for passage across the River Styx in Greek mythology.
  3. Archaeologists discovered an obol in the ruins of an ancient marketplace.
  4. During the Middle Ages, an obol was sometimes used as a burial offering.
  5. The museum displayed a rare collection of obols from different historical periods.
  6. In some cultures, an obol was believed to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife.
  7. Numismatists study the history and value of obols in ancient coinage.
  8. The merchant exchanged goods for an obol with a traveler passing through town.
  9. The obol was minted with intricate designs symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
  10. Historians debate the significance of the decline of the obol in ancient economies.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 25/03/2024 - 06:08:57