Danubian Horsemen plaques
Type:
Plaques
Date:
third century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Serbia
Medium:
Lead
Dimensions:
H approx. 8–10 cm
Description:
These small plaques are associated with the cult of the Equites Danuvini (Danubian Horsemen), which flourished between the second and fourth centuries CE at the northeast edge of the Roman Empire, in the Danube River region. Many of the plaques were found in forts, and, like Mithraism, this cult was followed mostly by members of the Roman army. The plaques may have been used as personal amulets, placed in private shrines, or deposited as votives, although no temples have been found. The cult is known only from artifacts; there are no surviving texts.
The lead plaques were cast in molds, and the same iconography appears on most of them. Rectangular plaques depict an architectonic setting (circular ones omit this), inside which there are several registers with figures in relief. At the top is the sun god on a four-horse chariot. In the center, a standing goddess (Epona?) is flanked by two horsemen who are often trampling enemies. Despite its present nomenclature, the cult was probably named for the unknown goddess and not for these riders. Below are scenes of sacrifice and banqueting, with a fish displayed on a round table. At the bottom are symbols of the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air represented by a serpent, vase, lion, and bird. Perhaps they also represent different stages of cult initiation.
Many of the plaques were deliberately damaged and discarded, possibly because their users switched to another cult that promised victory over death—Christianity.
The lead plaques were cast in molds, and the same iconography appears on most of them. Rectangular plaques depict an architectonic setting (circular ones omit this), inside which there are several registers with figures in relief. At the top is the sun god on a four-horse chariot. In the center, a standing goddess (Epona?) is flanked by two horsemen who are often trampling enemies. Despite its present nomenclature, the cult was probably named for the unknown goddess and not for these riders. Below are scenes of sacrifice and banqueting, with a fish displayed on a round table. At the bottom are symbols of the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air represented by a serpent, vase, lion, and bird. Perhaps they also represent different stages of cult initiation.
Many of the plaques were deliberately damaged and discarded, possibly because their users switched to another cult that promised victory over death—Christianity.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
1
Image Credits:
Linda Safran (the plaques shown here are in the Museo Diocesano Carlo Martini, Milan (MD2017.188.001–007)
