Inscription dedicated to Neptune from the territory of ancient Doclea

Abstract

A new votive inscription from the territory of Doclea has recently been published. The reading of the text needs revision, and consequently, reinterpretation. The inscription should be read as follows: Neptuno ׀ sacrum p׀ericuloru׀m Absolu׀tori Petro׀5nius Aspe׀r v(otum) s(olvit) ׀ l(ibens) a(nimo). Neptune’s attribute periculorum Absolutor appears here for the first time. The noun «Absolutor», i.e. «he who absolves, liberator », attested late in the narrative sources e.g. Cassiod. Var . XI, praef. 3, should be close to the Jupiter’s epithets Liberator or Servator. The dedication could be connected with a successful ending of a journey, possibly after being exposed to maritime perils: the dedicator may well be a person engaged in trade and businesses that involve transmarine voyage. His name - Petronius Asper - implies the connection with the large group of Italian settlers in Dalmatia, whose presence is attested in the province all through the Principate. Such relations are illustrated in the light of other Dalmatian examples.