Zusammenfassung / Abstract
“Magna Mater and a bull sacrifice in the Vatican for the Emperor? Archaeological and ancient historical aspects of an Antonine ‘Taurobolium altar’ in Lyon” – This article presents research regarding a so-called Taurobolium altar from 160 AD in ancient Lugudunum/ Lugdunum. An updated transcription, a new translation and interpretation of the inscription on the altar are published here. So far this memorial monument has received attention primarily due to the mention of the Latin term Vaticanum, which has been linked to the ancient Vatican area located on the right bank of the Tiber, home of a sanctuary to the goddess Magna Mater, in the 4th century in the immediate vicinity of the Christian cult site of Old St. Peter’s Basilica. Though this topic is discussed briefly here, the focus is much more on analyzing the bull sacrifice (taurobolium) dedicated to Magna Mater and epigraphically documented on the altar in order to understand more about its ritual procedures, its worshippers, but also its significance. Thus the altar is placed within the context of other altars dedicated to Magna Mater, e. g. from Lyon and Lectoure. By juxtaposing this archeological evidence with pagan and Christian writers, especially with a new analysis of Prudentius as an often (mis)quoted source regarding the taurobolium and bloody sacrifice, it is also investigated to what extent we do have within these altars proof for the idea, that, during the Imperial time, cult servants may have symbolically or physically emasculated themselves as a sacrifice to the goddess and her mythological companion Attis.