Stones as material expression of female religiousness in Roman Dalmatia
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 2018-11-04

In Roman religion stone had two contradictory features. On one hand it expressed individuality of people who commissioned its design. The stones with inscriptions were modified in various ways by carving and cutting, both letters and ornaments. The monuments with inscriptions could be also engraved in different types of stone, depending on  the financial means of a dedicant. On the other hand, stones with inscriptions were placed in public places, especially in temples and sanctuaries, so they could be characterised as communal or as objects for admiration or inspiration. The aim of this paper is to present the importance of use of stone in Roman religious practices using the case study of votive inscriptions set up by women in the province Dalmatia.
It was not only the medium of religious dedications but also had a symbolic role in Roman society. Votive inscriptions could express individuality of dedicants, religiousness but also adherence to the Roman culture. The stones are also one of the few categories of finds which allow any glimpse into the participation of women in Roman religion.

Author: Ms Mech, Anna - University of Warsaw (Presenting author)