Ancient Roman Lead Votive Plaque of Jupiter Heliopolitanus with Two Sacred Bulls | Roman Syria | Circa 1st – 3rd Century CE
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description: Historical Context & Origin Region: Roman Syria, associated with Heliopolis-Baalbek in present-day Lebanon Material: Cast lead or lead-rich alloy with mineral accretions, mounted on a modern painted wooden display stand Period: Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd Century CE Description This ancient Roman votive plaque depicts Jupiter Heliopolitanus, the principal deity worshipped at Heliopolis, the ancient city now known as Baalbek in Lebanon. The deity is presented frontally in a highly stylized and symmetrical composition, positioned above two sacred bulls shown in profile. Jupiter is represented with an elongated body enclosed within a close-fitting ceremonial garment known as an ependytes. Horizontal and chevron-shaped incised lines decorate the torso and lower garment, suggesting layered textiles, armour-like divisions, or symbolic registers traditionally associated with the Heliopolitan cult image. The figure’s long curved arms descend toward the backs of the animals on either side, creating an openwork composition. The bulls face outward in opposing directions and stand upon a long horizontal ground line. Their bodies, heads, legs, and tails are rendered in simplified low relief, emphasizing their symbolic role rather than anatomical realism. Above the rounded face is a tall, widening headdress or kalathos decorated with an additional stylized face or mask. The primary face is rendered with large almond-shaped eyes, a narrow nose, and a small mouth. The unusually tall double-register headpiece reinforces the deity’s supernatural and ceremonial character. A geometric shrine-like pattern appears beneath the figure between the two bulls. This may represent a stylized architectural façade, sacred pedestal, or decorative base. Jupiter Heliopolitanus was commonly represented above a decorated support and accompanied by two walking bulls. In two-dimensional lead votive figures, the animals were often shown in profile so their forms could be rendered more clearly. T…
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