Carnuntum and Epigraphy

Religion at Carnuntum

Figure 1 click to enlarge

The mortuary inscriptions at Carnuntum give historians and epigraphers important insight into the lives of ancient Romans. The gods mentioned, in forty inscriptions studied, can be seen in Figure 1. Of the inscriptions studies fifteen were dedicated to Jupiter. Nemesis and Mithras follow with six and four dedications, respectively. These epigraphs were a form of commemoration that tied both the dedicator and dedicatee to specific gods. The inscription of these thoughts on an epitaph creates a physical manifestation. Creating an altar or monument honors the dead, the emperor, and the gods. Roman religious practices honored the gods in exchange for favor.

Figure 3 click to enlarge

Figure 2 shows the ratio of altars to non-altars. The majority of the inscriptions were not found on altars. This possibly is reflective of who made the dedication. Thirty-one of the inscriptions were dedicated by the 14th Legion. Others were dedicated by private individuals. Figure 3 shows the dedicators for the inscriptions studied. The amount of money set aside by the deceased, their friends, family, or legion would designate the elaborate nature of their epitaph.

Figure 2 click to enlarge