Near East (417–406 BCE): Persian Administration of Yehud
Between 417 and 406 BCE, the Persian province of Yehud (formerly the kingdom of Judah) continues to be administered under Persian authority, marking a period of relative stability for the Jewish community. High priests, acting as regional governors under Persian oversight, manage local affairs, reflecting a balance of religious and political power.
A notable indication of local autonomy is the issuance of distinct coinage by the high priests of Yehud. These coins symbolize both a degree of administrative independence and the ongoing integration of Yehud within the broader Persian economic framework. The authority to mint their own coins allows the high priests not only to facilitate local commerce but also to reinforce their spiritual and secular leadership among the Jewish population.
This administrative and economic activity highlights the evolution of Yehud as a stable and structured province, maintaining its distinct cultural and religious identity while operating effectively within the expansive Persian Empire.