Palmyra in Arabia, 100-270 AD., pseudo-autonomous issue, Æ 14, BMC Galatia p. 149, 3.

Palmyra in Arabia, pseudo-autonomous issue, 100-270 AD.,
Æ 14 (11-12 mm / 1,49 g), bronze, axes about medal alignment ↑↑ (ca. 330°),
Obv.: radiate and draped bust of young Malakbel left.
Rev.: radiate, draped, bearded bust of Baalshamin right with kalathos on head.
cf. SNG München 522 ff., Krzyzanowska Palmyre type XII, BMC Galatia p. 149, 3 .

Palmyra was located at a large oasis in the Syrian Desert, 215 km (134 miles) northeast of Damascus. Baalshamin was one of the two supreme gods and the sky god of pre-Islamic Palmyra. His attributes were, like those of Zeus and Jupiter, the eagle and the lightning bolt. He formed a triad with the lunar god Aglibol and the sun god Malakbel. In Aramaic, Malakbel means messenger of Baal. The Greeks identified Malakbel with Hermes, and the Romans with Sol.