Epona statue
Type:
Sculptures
Date:
Second to third century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Germany
Medium:
Sandstone
Dimensions:
43 × 48 × 19 cm
Description:
A sandstone statue from the Roman fort at Köngen, in southeastern Germany, is one of hundreds to depict the goddess Epona. The name Epona is derived from the Celtic word for horse, epo (compare with Greek hippos and Latin equo), and she is seated here before two horses. Epona was also a fertility deity, as the fruit on her lap makes clear. Images and inscriptions to Epona found on the Germanic, Gallic, and Danubian frontiers suggest that hers was a cult favored by Roman soldiers, especially cavalry. The Celts had worshipped many gods for centuries, but they were depicted in human form only after the Roman conquests across Europe popularized the idea of anthropomorphic deities. Epona is the only Celtic divinity to be worshipped in Rome itself.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
1
Repository and Online Resources:
• The statue is now in Stuttgart's Landesmuseum Württemberg.
