ARHEOLOŠKI VESTNIK ARHEOLOŠKI VESTNIK
Inštitut za arheologijo ZRC SAZU
ARHEOLOŠKI VESTNIK 67, 2016
Tomislav BILIĆ
Apollo Belenos on Norican and Tauriscan coins
Abstract
The head on the obverse of Norican and Tauriscan coins is often casually identified as Apollo’s, mainly based on the god’s appearance on suggested prototypes for these coins. The issuing authorities most probably recognized the identity of the god portrayed on the coins they imitated, but they interpreted him as their ‘national’ god Belenos/Belinos. The identification of Apollo with this native deity is widespread throughout the Celtic world, with the most persuasive evidence coming from Noricum and the region of Aquileia. It is no wonder that the local Celtic minting authorities chose to portray their ‘national’ god on their coinage, since his worship is attested to in dedicatory inscriptions, sanctuaries, literary testimonies and, perhaps, plastic arts.
Keywords: 2nd and 1st c. BC, Apollo, Belenos, Belinos, coins, Norici, Taurisci
Arheološki vestnik |
Editorial board |
Ordering, price list and other information |
Search |
Issues online |
Guidelines for contributors |
Author declaration form |
Reviewer form
Home | Top
