A Magical Amulet from Durostorum (Moesia Inferior)

Abstract

The paper analyzes a magical amulet discovered in 2007 by Radu Petcu in the civilian Roman settlement of Ostrov-Durostorum, province of Moesia Inferior. The intaglio, made of lapis lazuli, is a ring stone and depicts the so-called ̔Pantheos̕ or ̔Polymorphic Deity̕ . Following a description of the iconography, a history of research on the interpretation of this deity is presented. An interpretation of the Greek texts on the obverse and reverse of the intaglio is then offered, assisted by a review of comparanda. Finally, the conclusions are made, envisaging the apotropaic role of the amulet and the importance of the new vox magica.

Keywords:

Magical Amulet; Durostorum; Pantheos; Polymorphic deity; vox magica.