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Monumentum

Incensiary vessel of Dieburg

The vessel to burn incense from the Mithraeum of Dieburg is similar to those found in other Roman cities of Germany.
Incense vessel from Dieburg

Incense vessel from Dieburg
The New Mithraeum / Andreu Abuín (CC BY-SA) 

 
 
The New Mithraeum
17 Jan 2022
Updated on Nov 2023
 

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This terracotta cultic vessel was discovered in 1926 in a Mithraeum at Dieburg. Formed with two ansae and a narrow base, it has a lip that extends into the interior with a flat stub perforated by eight holes set at an equal distance from each other. This distinctive feature enables the vessel to be interpreted as an incense-burner or a censer, partially filled with sand that was covered with ashes on which incense or fragrant herbs were placed. This vessel for incense from Dieburg is by no means a unique discovery. Vessels of this type have been unearthed at other Mithraea, in Germania Inferio…

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