# obol

> ancient Greek currency and weight

**Wikidata**: [Q384102](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q384102)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obol_(coin))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/obol

## Summary
The obol was an ancient Greek currency and weight, serving as a medium of exchange and a unit of measurement. It was first introduced around 600 BCE and remained in use for centuries, with variations like the Ionian obol emerging later in history. The obol was a key component of the Athenian monetary system and was also used as a standard weight.

## Key Facts
- The obol was an ancient Greek currency and weight, first introduced around 600 BCE.
- It served as a generally accepted medium of exchange for goods or services.
- The obol was part of the coin class, being a piece of hard material produced in large quantities to facilitate trade.
- The Ionian obol was a later variant, used in the United States of the Ionian Islands from 1818 onward.
- The obol had aliases such as obolus and obelus.
- It had a sitelink count of 40, indicating its relevance in historical and cultural contexts.
- The Wikipedia title for the obol is "Obol (coin)."

## FAQs
**What was the obol used for?**
The obol was used as a currency and a unit of weight in ancient Greece, functioning as a medium of exchange for goods and services.

**When was the obol first introduced?**
The obol was first introduced around 600 BCE.

**What is the difference between the obol and the Ionian obol?**
The obol was an ancient Greek currency and weight, while the Ionian obol was a later variant used in the United States of the Ionian Islands from 1818 onward.

**How was the obol classified?**
The obol was classified as a currency and a piece of hard material produced in large quantities to facilitate trade.

**What are the aliases for the obol?**
The obol had aliases such as obolus and obelus.

## Why It Matters
The obol played a crucial role in ancient Greek society, serving as a standard unit of currency and weight. Its introduction around 600 BCE marked a significant development in the Athenian monetary system, facilitating trade and economic transactions. The obol's continued use for centuries underscores its importance in historical and cultural contexts. Additionally, the obol's classification as a generally accepted medium of exchange highlights its role in facilitating commerce and economic activity.

## Notable For
- Being a key component of the Athenian monetary system.
- Serving as a standard unit of weight alongside its currency function.
- Having a sitelink count of 40, indicating its relevance in historical and cultural contexts.
- Being part of the coin class, distinguishing it as a piece of hard material produced in large quantities to facilitate trade.

## Body
### History
The obol was first introduced around 600 BCE, becoming a fundamental part of the Athenian monetary system. It served as a medium of exchange for goods and services, alongside its function as a unit of weight. The obol's continued use for centuries reflects its significance in ancient Greek society.

### Classification and Relationships
The obol is classified as a currency and a piece of hard material produced in large quantities to facilitate trade. It is part of the coin class, which includes other forms of currency and trade facilitation. Additionally, the obol is related to the Ionian obol, a later variant used in the United States of the Ionian Islands from 1818 onward.

### Aliases and Identification
The obol is known by several aliases, including obolus and obelus. These alternative names highlight its historical and cultural significance. The obol's sitelink count of 40 further underscores its relevance in historical and cultural contexts.

### Wikipedia and Further Reading
The Wikipedia title for the obol is "Obol (coin)," providing additional information and context for further reading. The obol's wikidata description as "ancient Greek currency and weight" further clarifies its dual function as a currency and a unit of measurement.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GF WordNet