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Marble Altar Inscribed to Jupiter
Circa 2nd-3rd Century AD
Description:
Marble altar with a four line dedicatory inscription carved into one side, as follows:
IOVI OPTIMOMAXIMO CAPITOLI NOSACRUM
(Jupiter, best and greatest of the capital, sacred to us).
The remaining three sides are left plain. The altar is bordered below by a tiered base, and above by a decorative moulding. There is a central recess for offerings at the top of the altar. The light cream-colored marble has pink hues and subtle brown veining. The small size of this altar indicates that it was most likely intended for use in a private household shrine. Altars were considered religiously potent in antiquity and had to be buried when no longer in use.
Height: 4.9 in. (12 cm)
Condition: Intact as shown.
Reference:
See Religion in Roman Britain by Martin Henig, p. 88 for examples of provincial alters dedicated to Jupiter by Roman military.
Background: Jupiter Optimus Maximus (Jupiter Best and Greatest) is one of the many forms in which Jupiter was worshiped. Jupiter was considered the special protector of the city of Rome. He shared a temple on the Capitoline Hill with Juno Regina and Minerva Together. The three are referred to as the Capitoline Triad.
Provenance: Formerly a British property.
Price: SOLD
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