Archaeologists Discover Gold Plaque with Greek Inscription as Offering to Jupiter Dolichenus at Ancient Roman Fortress

Find Sheds Light on Roman Soldiers' Religious Practices and Their Reverence for the God of War

A gold plaque engraved with Greek letters has been uncovered at the ancient Roman fortress of Apsaros in Georgia. This provides new insight into the religious practices of Roman soldiers and their devotion to Jupiter Dolichenus, the war god who commanded the respect of legions across the empire.

The Discovery

The Apsaros Fortress, located in modern-day Gonio, Georgia, dates back approximately 2,000 years to the Roman Empire. This latest discovery—a gold votive plaque inscribed in Greek—is believed to have been an offering to Jupiter Dolichenus, a deity who combined the mighty Roman god Jupiter and the thunder god Dolichenus from southeastern Turkey. The plaque is thought to have been left by Roman soldiers in the area, offering their devotion and seeking divine favour in battle.

Ewelina Krajczyńska-Wujec, a researcher with Science in Poland, highlights the discovery's significance, which supports the theory that the fortress was situated near a sanctuary dedicated to the god. Natalia Lockley, an archaeologist at the University of Warsaw, explains that Jupiter Dolichenus was the “god of war and victory,” with his cult peaking in popularity between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE. The gold plaque’s inscription is the most direct evidence yet of the god's worship at this site.

Jupiter Dolichenus: The War God of the Roman Legions

Although Jupiter Dolichenus was originally a local deity worshipped in eastern Anatolia, his cult found a particularly strong following among the Roman military. As Radosław Karasiewicz-Szczypiorski, co-leader of the excavation, notes, "For reasons that are not fully clear, Jupiter Dolichenus became popular in the Roman military environment." His status as a god of victory likely resonated with the legions, who revered him for protection and success on the battlefield.

The Votive Plaque and Its Inscriptions

The golden offering uncovered at Apsaros is a thin gold plate engraved with a Greek inscription that specifically dedicates it to Jupiter Dolichenus. As Karasiewicz-Szczypiorski explains, worshippers often left votive plaques like this at places of religious significance, and this discovery “confirms the existence of a temple dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus” near the fortress. The Roman soldiers stationed at Apsaros likely made the offering, seeking god’s blessing for success in their military endeavours.

A Military Hub and Religious Center

The Apsaros Fortress is thought to have served not only as a military outpost but also as a manufacturing hub when the soldiers were not stationed there. Archaeologists have uncovered kilns used for firing amphorae, large containers that typically held wine and olive oil, as well as a wine press—providing further evidence that the site functioned as a production center when not occupied by troops.

In addition to these finds, researchers have discovered several mosaics within the fortress, many of which have been moved to a local museum for restoration. These mosaics, found in the residence of the Roman commander, have been digitally reconstructed, offering a glimpse of what the fortress may have looked like during its peak.

Ongoing Excavations and Future Insights

As Polish and Georgian archaeologists continue their collaborative excavation efforts at Apsaros, they hope to uncover even more evidence about the daily lives, military activity, and religious practices of the Roman soldiers who once occupied the site. The discovery of the golden plaque adds another fascinating layer to our understanding of the military and spiritual world that shaped the Roman Empire.

With their meticulous research, the archaeologists aim to reveal not just the structure of the ancient fort but also the deeper beliefs and superstitions that guided these soldiers, shedding light on the role of religion in their military campaigns. The plaque’s Greek inscription, a humble yet significant offering, has provided key evidence, connecting the Roman military’s devotion to their deities with the broader cultural and historical context of the empire’s eastern frontier.

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