Archaeologists discovered a rare gold artifact during excavations at an ancient Roman fortress in Georgia. The site, believed to be around 1,800 years old, yielded a thin plate with writing in ancient Greek which experts say could have been a gold offering to the war god Jupiter Dolichenus (Zeus Oromasdes) worshiped by Roman soldiers, especially those seeking strength in battle.
The team, which consists of Polish and Georgian archaeologists, described the find as “unique.” Natalia Lockley, an archaeologist from the University of Warsaw and a deputy head of the Polish team, explained that Jupiter Dolichenus was seen as the god of war and victory and was highly respected by Roman soldiers.
The god’s name, Jupiter Dolichenus, is a combination of two deities: the Roman god Jupiter (Greek Zeus), known for his control over the sky, storms, and lightning, and Dolichenus, a thunder god from a Greco-Roman city called Doliche (Greek:Δολίχη) in current day Turkey.
This powerful mix of beliefs became especially popular across the Roman Empire, particularly between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, said Natalia Lockley, an archaeologist involved in the project.
A hidden sanctuary dedicated to the war god Jupiter Dolichenus
At the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, the ancient Roman military site, archaeologists believe there may be a hidden sanctuary dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus. This sanctuary, if found, could reveal more about the worship practices of Roman soldiers.
#RomanFortThursday – The Gonio Fortress (Apsarus), located in Georgia 🇬🇪 15 km south of Batumi near the Turkish border. It was the largest Roman fort along the Colchian littoral (the Pontus Limes).
The fort was established c. AD 77 to ensure control of the routes running north… pic.twitter.com/VMekEzMnls
— Following Hadrian (@carolemadge) December 21, 2023
Lockley mentioned that the gold artifact with the ancient Greek inscription might have been intended for this sanctuary, possibly to be placed on a wall or altar as a tribute to the god. The team hopes to uncover this site in future digs.
In ancient times, people would present offerings to gods, hoping for blessings or assistance. These gifts, known as votive offerings, were believed to be favored by the gods. An offering to Jupiter Dolichenus, for example, may have been made to seek success in upcoming battles.
A mosaic floor in the quarters of the Roman troops
During their work at the fort, the archaeologists discovered other valuable pieces. One of these finds was a mosaic floor in what is believed to be the commander’s quarters of the Roman troops stationed there.
Although damaged, the mosaic hints at a geometric design. Some fragments show red and pink lines against a white background. Lockley mentioned that the team is carefully examining these pieces to uncover the original pattern of the artwork.
The archaeologists also uncovered remnants of a winepress and several kilns used to fire amphorae—pottery vessels commonly used to store wine.
These discoveries are evidence that wine production took place at the site, and it is possible that the wine was even exported to other locations.
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