Relief of Epona from Viminacium - Certain Considerations about the Cult of Epona in Central Balkans

Abstract

An analysis of small marble relief found in Upper Moesia’s locality Viminacium, confirmed that the Celtic goddess Epona is shown on it. Through its iconographical and stylistic analysis, but also through its comparison with other so far known presentations of Epona of so-called “Imperial type”, we imply that the cult of Epona was known in the territory of central Balkans. Additional facts, like a silver plate from Branetic hoard near Rudnik with the inscription EPONE and votive monument from Doclea dedicated to Epona, present valuable arguments for our initial hypothesis.