2,000-Year-Old Snake Vessel

A snake-headed vessel discovered in a Roman villa at Collet in northeastern Spain has provided evidence of a mysterious Roman cult dedicated to Sabazios, a deity from Thrace and Phrygia, in rural areas of the Roman Empire. The vessel, which dates back to the reign of Emperor Augustus (between 27 BCE and 14 CE), features a handle shaped like a two-headed serpent.

The research was carried out by a team led by scientists from the University of Girona in Spain, who examined the layers in which the fragments were found and surrounding pottery to determine the vessel's age. The team found that the pot was broken and buried during Emperor Augustus' reign, making it a significant discovery for the period.

The vessel is an example of Iberian serpent-ware from the period of Emperor Augustus, and its discovery suggests that the cult of Sabazios was not confined to urban settings, but may have had an extensive cultic network within the wider Roman Empire. A portable bronze triptych found in an Augustan-era or early first-century tomb at Empúries (ancient Emporiae) also depicts Sabazios surrounded by symbols of his cult, further supporting the connection.

Mineral analysis of the clay used to make the vessel could not determine where it was made, although some characteristics suggest it may have originated in North Africa. The discovery of the vessel provides new insights into the religious practices of the ancient Romans and the spread of cults throughout the Roman Empire.

## Why it matters The discovery of the snake-headed vessel is significant because it sheds light on the religious practices of the ancient Romans and the extent of the cult of Sabazios in rural areas. The Roman Empire was a vast and diverse territory, and the presence of this cult in northeastern Spain suggests that it had a wider reach than previously thought. The find also highlights the importance of continued archaeological research and excavation in uncovering the secrets of the ancient world.

The cult of Sabazios was one of many cults worshiped by the ancient Romans, who were a deeply religious and superstitious people. The discovery of the snake-headed vessel and other ritual objects provides a glimpse into the private worship practices of the time and the symbolism used by these cults. As researchers continue to study the vessel and its significance, they may uncover more information about the cult of Sabazios and its place in the ancient Roman world.