Contribution to the cult of Bacchus on Viminacium – terracotta lamps with relief depictions of the mask, thyrsus and syrinx

Abstract

A great number of lamps with the image of Bacchus mask, thyrsus and syrinx on the disc, which are related to the cult of Bacchus, were discovered during the archaeological research of Viminacium. Most of these lamps represent grave goods, which is certainly the result of a fact that focus of excavation work was mainly on the area of necropolis. Presence of these lamps in the graves can be related to the fact that, besides many other aspects, Bacchus was also honoured as a protector of the dead. During recent excavations four new lamps were found in profane contexts, which lead the authors to examine symbolic meaning of this representation.