Treasure trove of more than 600 amulets found in Turkey could help uncover secrets about an ancient mystery religion



The seals and amulets date back from the 7th to the 4th centuries BC

The artifacts were found at the worship site of the god Jupiter Dolichenus

He was followed by a cult whose practices were shrouded in secrecy

Many pieces show scenes of adoration and provide a surprisingly vivid insight into the faith of the time

Classical scholars have made an unusually large find of religious seals and amulets in an ancient sanctuary in Turkey.

The discovery, which researchers are describing as ‘unparalleled’, was made close to the ancient city of Doliche at a former worship site.

Researchers uncovered more than 600 stamp seals and amulets at the site dating back from the 7th to the 4th centuries BC.

Researchers have uncovered more than 600 stamp seals and amulets at the site dating back to the 7th to the 4th centuries BC

‘Such large amounts of seal consecrations are unheard-of in any comparable sanctuary’, said excavation director Dr Engelbert Winter.

‘The amazingly large number proves how important seals and amulets were for the worshipping of the god to whom they were consecrated as votive offerings,’ he added.

The artifacts, identified as late Babylonian, local Syrian Achaemenid and Levantine seals, were found at the ancient sanctuary of Jupiter Dolichenus, who was one of the most important deities of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD.

Many pieces show scenes of adoration and provide a surprisingly vivid insight into the faith of the time.

This late Babylonian seal found at the site depicts a praying man in front of divine symbols

JUPITER DOLICHENUS

Jupiter Dolichenus was one of the most important deities of the Roman Empire. He became identified with the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda as a lord of the universe. Returning legions carried his cult to Rome, where it became popular in the 2nd–3rd century AD.

In Roman mystery religion he was believed to control military success and safety.

He was usually represented standing on a bull holding a double ax and thunderbolt.



Jupiter Dolichenus was the god of a Roman cult – the practices of which are still shrouded in a huge amount of mystery.



The cult involved secret ceremonies known only to those initiated.



Researchers hope the large find will help them learn more about these practices.



The stamp seals and cylinder seals, as well as scarabs, were made of glass, stone and quartz ceramics.

Different themes were found ranging from geometric ornaments and astral symbols to elaborate depictions of animals and people.

They included praying men in front of divine symbols.

The excavations took place at the Jupiter Dolichenus sanctuary which is located at the Turkish mountain Dülük Baba Tepesi

Another popular theme was a royal hero fighting animals and hybrid creatures.

During the excavations at the sanctuary, located at the Turkish mountain Dülük Baba Tepesi, Professor Winter’s team worked in an area of over 500 square metres.

‘The results are already extending our knowledge of all periods in this holy place’s long history,’ he said.