The Altar of Jupiter of Doliche

This well-preserved third century AD altar formed part of a unique religious shrine which was unearthed next to the north gate of the fort at Vindolanda in summer 2009. The altar was dedicated by a prefect of the Fourth Cohort of Gauls to an important eastern god, Jupiter of Doliche, who was worshipped in modern southern Turkey – but eventually throughout much of the Romany army.

It is 110cm high and shows the god standing on a bull holding an axe and a thunderbolt. It weighs about 1.5 tons.

The inscription reads: "To Jupiter Best and Greatest of Doliche, Sulpicius Pudens, prefect of the Fourth Cohort of Gauls, fulfilled his vow gladly and deservedly".

Images

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