ProQuest Dissertations - Historia Antigua

attribution of this temple is again uncertain due to the loss of evidence from earthquakesand reuse of the space.Several possibilities exist for the attribution of Temples A and B. The elements ofarchitectural decoration found near Temple A include an antefix of Diana as PotniaTheron with rampant felines; another such antefix of slightly different style was also1 Ofound in a votive deposit on top of Monte San Casto.A marble relief of Hercules,dateable to the third or second century BCE was discovered near the temple.Excavations have unearthed a donario with a bronze helmet and inscription to Minervawhich dates between 89 and 44 BCE. 154An altar in two fragments bearing an inscriptionto Mars came to light in the outer court of the cathedral. 155The inscription (MARTET)probably dates to the second century BCE, sometime after the original construction of thetemple. 156Thus, these two temples could be dedicated to Diana/Potnia Theron, Hercules,Minerva, Mars, or some combination of these deities.It seems most likely to me that Temple A was originally dedicated to Mars, andTemple B belonged to the worship of Hercules or one of the other deities at the cliff sideshrines and sanctuary on Monte San Casto (see below for discussion of these). The152 Mezzazzappa (2003), p. 103 and n. 29 for the antefix from Monte San Casto. Cf. Marta (1982) for adiscussion of these.153 Mezzazzappa (2003), p. 103.154 Ibid. The money found in the donario dates from 118 BCE to 40 CE (Zevi-Gallina (1978), p. 65). Thespecificity of the dating of the denario itself arises from the inscription (AE (1985) 266), which names Sex.Curfidius and M. Caesius as quattorviri, an office of the municipium established in Sora after the SocialWar and before the colony of 44 BCE. For the coins, see Catalli and Scheid (1994). See also an associatedinscription with a dedication by L. Firmius, last IHIvir and first pontifex of new colony CIL 5713 (= ILS2226 and ILLRP I.498a.) Similar treasure boxes were found in Arpinum, Fregellae (at the Aesculapiussanctuary), Beneventum, and modern San Vittore.155 Mezzazzappa (2003), p. 103. The pieces were originally held together with a swallow-tail join.156 Zevi-Gallina (1978), p. 65. The new signage in the museum indicates that this inscription dates to thefourth century BCE, but this is not reflected in the publications.185