Altar for Jupiter Heliopolitanus and Nemausus at the Nîmes Archaeological Museum
Item
Title
Altar for Jupiter Heliopolitanus and Nemausus at the Nîmes Archaeological Museum
Location (Site/Findspot)
Creator
Caius Julius Tiberinus
Date Created
late first century CE
Description
This altar was dedicated by a soldier from Beirut (Berytus). It honors both Jupiter Heliopolitanus (the aspect of Jupiter worshipped at Heliopolis-Baalbek) and Nemausus (the Gallic god after whom Nîmes was named). The museum projects light onto the inscription to make the letters more legible. It also projects translations (in French), and scenic images to help viewers imagine the altar's use.
One side of the altar bears a representation of Jupiter Heliopolitanus. The other side bears a representation of a long oval shield and a carnyx (tall, animal-headed trumpet). Such military equipment was associated with Gallic peoples and often appeared in Roman images celebrating conquest.
One side of the altar bears a representation of Jupiter Heliopolitanus. The other side bears a representation of a long oval shield and a carnyx (tall, animal-headed trumpet). Such military equipment was associated with Gallic peoples and often appeared in Roman images celebrating conquest.
Repository/Authority
Bibliography
CIL 12, 3072
At the Epigraphik-Datenbank Clauss / Slaby, search for this code (EDCS-09201540) in this field (EDCS-ID), for a transcription.
Rights Holder
Photographs by Kimberly Cassibry