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Introduction The buildings The votive tablets Other votive gifts |
Quite a few other bronze objects were found on the plateau, but their precise place of discovery is unknown. Of some objects it is therefore not clear whether they were votive gifts or served a more practical purpose (military equipment, brooches, appliques). Statuettes were found of several deities. A few were almost complete, of others only fragments remained. Jupiter was present of course, but also Minerva, Fortuna, Mercurius, Victoria, and a protective deity with a mural crown as headdress and holding a cornucopiae. A votive hand belongs to the cult of Jupiter-Sabazius. On the hand animals can be seen: a snake, two frogs, a turtle, and the head of a ram. Statuettes of various animals were either part of decoration or accompanied deities.
Bronze statuette of Jupiter. H. 0.29. Photo: gsbernard.ch.
Hand of Jupiter-Sabazius (h. 0.115) and statuette of a protective deity (h. 0.064). Photo: gsbernard.ch.Many rings with gemstones were most likely votive gifts. Some have depictions of deities: the enthroned Jupiter, a bust of Apollo, Mars holding a wreath over a trophy, and Isis breastfeeding Harpocrates. Two have mythological scenes: Phrixus on a ram next to his sister Helle, and Omphale wearing the lion skin of Hercules. Others have animals: a lion, a winged sow, a stork or crane holding a battle horn, dolphins on either side of a vessel, and a group consisting of a rooster, a parrot, an insect, a grain ear and a basket. One seems to show the head of Alexander the Great.
Left: gem of glass paste with Isis breastfeeding Harpocrates. Right: carnelian with Mars holding a wreath over a trophy.
Photos: Appolonia et al. 2008, 337-338.
Introduction
The buildings
The votive tablets
Other votive gifts
[10-Feb-2024]
