Altar to Deo Invicto Regi from Bandorf

TNMM 1402 ↔ CIMRM 1017

Altar in limestone (H. 0.25). Bonn, Rheinisches Landesmuseum.

L.H. 0.028–0.018.

Deo / invict(o) / regi pr/o bono / comun(i).

regi: cf. inscriptions with imperatori in the index.

This inscription was found near the entrance of a square room, which was discovered in a valley at Bandorf near Oberwinter in 1870–1872 (Schaaffhausen in BJ LIII, 1873, 100ff.; MMM II 426f., No. 315 and fig. 359).

The room in no way resembles a Mithraeum. Outside, next to the entrance, a relief in limestone with the representation of a reclining water-god was found. Remnants of animal bones and sherds of pottery came to light. The intention of the isolated room remains uncertain, as the inscription does not allow a certain conclusion either.

Comments

Dominique PERSOONS

Deo invicto regi; to God the invincible King. According to some relics, "lying down" means sea or river. Neptune or Oceanus. Both are archetypes of the Moon.