Archaeologists recently made an exciting discovery while excavating the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress in Georgia. They found a gold votive offering dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus, a war god revered by Roman soldiers. This deity was a combination of the Roman god Jupiter and Dolichenus, a thunder god whose cult was popular between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD.
The votive offering was inscribed in Greek and was likely intended to be presented at a sanctuary to Jupiter Dolichenus, which has not yet been found at the site. The discovery sheds light on the religious practices of the Roman soldiers stationed at the fortress and their beliefs in seeking divine intervention for victory in battle.
In addition to the gold offering, the archaeologists also uncovered the remains of a mosaic in a house believed to have been used by the garrison commander. The mosaic features a geometric motif, but further analysis is needed to fully understand its design. The team also found evidence of a winepress and kilns used for firing pottery vessels, indicating that wine production and possibly exportation were important activities at the fortress.
These discoveries provide valuable insights into the daily life and religious practices of the Roman soldiers stationed at the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress. The ongoing excavations at the site may reveal more about the sanctuary to Jupiter Dolichenus and further enhance our understanding of this ancient military outpost.
Owen Jarus, a renowned archaeology writer, has been covering this fascinating discovery and other significant historical findings. His expertise and knowledge have contributed to the broader understanding of ancient civilizations and their cultural practices. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting excavation project and its implications for our understanding of the Roman presence in Georgia.