Rare Gold Plaque Reveals First Evidence of Jupiter Dolichenus Worship at Apsaros Roman Fort

Rare Gold Plaque Reveals First Evidence of Jupiter Dolichenus Worship at Apsaros Roman Fort

Archaeologists have uncovered the first direct evidence that Roman soldiers stationed at the ancient Apsaros Roman Fort worshipped Jupiter Dolichenus, following the discovery of a rare inscribed gold votive plaque on Georgia's Black Sea coast.

The remarkable find was made during excavations in 2024 and has now been published in the journal Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik by researchers from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology (University of Warsaw) and the Adjara Cultural Heritage Protection Agency.

The discovery offers valuable new insight into the religious life of Roman troops guarding one of the empire's most important eastern frontier fortresses.

A Rare Gold Offering

The small gold plaque was carefully crafted into the shape of a stylized leaf using the ancient repoussé metalworking technique.

Its Greek inscription records that a man named Thrasymedes dedicated the offering to the "Dolichen God," identifying the deity as Jupiter Dolichenus.

Originally worshipped in ancient Syria, Jupiter Dolichenus became one of the most popular military gods of the Roman Empire during the second and third centuries AD. Roman soldiers stationed throughout the empire frequently honored the deity, believing he offered protection, strength, and victory.

Image Credit : University of Warsaw

First Evidence at Apsaros

Although the Roman fortress of Apsaros, located in modern-day Gonio, Georgia, has long been known through the writings of ancient historians such as Arrian and Pliny the Elder, inscribed archaeological finds from the site have remained exceptionally rare.

Researchers say the newly discovered plaque represents the first direct epigraphic evidence connecting Apsaros with the cult of Jupiter Dolichenus.

The inscription also provides a rare personal connection to the past. While little is known about Thrasymedes, his uncommon Greek name suggests he may have belonged to the culturally diverse population serving or living within the Roman military settlement.

Possible Temple to Jupiter Dolichenus

The discovery may indicate that a dedicated sanctuary once existed within the fort.

Excavations in the same area have previously uncovered additional objects linked to Jupiter Dolichenus, including a bronze figurine showing an eagle standing on a bull—one of the deity's most recognizable religious symbols.

The presence of multiple cult-related artifacts strengthens the possibility that Roman soldiers maintained a formal place of worship dedicated to the Syrian-Roman god.

A Crossroads of Cultures

Apsaros occupied a strategic position along the Black Sea coast, controlling important trade and military routes connecting the Roman Empire with the Caucasus and the interior of Asia.

As a frontier fortress, it became home to people from many different cultural backgrounds. The discovery of the gold plaque highlights how Roman, Greek, local Georgian, and Eastern religious traditions coexisted within the military community.

Researchers believe the valuable gold offering demonstrates the importance of Jupiter Dolichenus among members of the garrison, suggesting devotees were willing to commission precious objects as acts of religious devotion.

Expanding Knowledge of Roman Frontier Religion

Beyond its archaeological significance, the inscription provides rare evidence for the cultural and religious diversity that characterized Rome's eastern frontier nearly 2,000 years ago.

The discovery not only improves understanding of daily life inside Apsaros Roman Fort but also illustrates how military communities helped spread religious beliefs across the Roman Empire.

As excavations continue, archaeologists hope further discoveries will reveal whether a dedicated temple once stood within the fortress and provide additional insight into the beliefs of the soldiers who defended Rome's eastern borders.

New Kingdom Tomb of Egyptian Official Paser Discovered at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna in Luxor

New Kingdom Tomb of Egyptian Official Paser Discovered at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna

Archaeologists have uncovered a previously unknown New Kingdom tomb in the famous Sheikh Abd el-Qurna necropolis on Luxor’s west bank, revealing beautifully preserved inscriptions and colorful wall paintings that identify its owner as an Egyptian official named Paser.

The discovery was made by a Dutch archaeological mission from Leiden University, led by Dr. Karina van den Hoeven, during the latest excavation season at Jabanat el-Qurna. The project forms part of an ongoing archaeological investigation of the Lower Sheikh Abd el-Qurna cemetery, one of the most important burial landscapes in ancient Thebes.

Image Credit : Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the newly discovered tomb lies just east of Tomb No. 45, where excavations have been underway since 2018 in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The long-term project combines archaeological excavation with conservation, documentation, and risk management to better understand the development of this important section of the Theban Necropolis.

Inscriptions Reveal the Tomb Owner

Ancient inscriptions preserved inside the chapel identify the tomb owner as Paser, while the artistic style of the inscriptions and paintings indicates that the monument dates to the New Kingdom, one of ancient Egypt’s most prosperous periods.

Researchers plan to continue documenting every inscription and decorative element to determine exactly who Paser was and to identify the individuals buried within the underground chambers.

Classic Elite Tomb Architecture

The tomb follows the characteristic design of elite private tombs constructed in ancient Thebes during the New Kingdom.

An open courtyard leads visitors to a rock-cut chapel with the familiar T-shaped floor plan, while burial chambers lie beneath the chapel.

Excavations within the courtyard uncovered several well-preserved architectural features, including mudbrick walls containing a niche that once held a funerary stela. Archaeologists also identified a staircase with ramps leading toward the entrance, offering valuable insight into the original layout of the monument.

Colorful Wall Paintings Still Survive

Although parts of the painted decoration remain hidden beneath thin layers of sediment, several scenes are already visible.

Among the surviving artwork are depictions of Paser worshipping various Egyptian deities inside shrine settings. Other scenes show Paser seated beside his wife before an offering table, a common funerary motif symbolizing eternal nourishment in the afterlife.

The vibrant paintings provide important evidence for artistic traditions practiced in private tombs during the New Kingdom.

Further Conservation Planned

Dr. Karina van den Hoeven said future excavation seasons will focus on stabilizing the structure while conserving and restoring the painted decoration.

Researchers also hope that continued excavation around the tomb will uncover additional burials and archaeological evidence that will improve understanding of the broader cemetery and the people who lived and served in ancient Thebes.

Expanding Knowledge of Ancient Thebes

Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy praised the work of archaeological missions operating throughout the country, noting that discoveries such as the tomb of Paser continue to reveal new chapters of ancient Egyptian history while strengthening Egypt's position as one of the world's leading archaeological destinations.

As archaeological work continues at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, researchers expect further discoveries that will help reconstruct the lives, beliefs, and funerary traditions of Egypt's New Kingdom elite.