Silvan i njegova kultna zajednica : reljef uzidan u Smederevsku tvrđavu

Abstract

This paper examines the votive relief with three deities that was built into the wall of the Smederevo Fortress. Relief is located in a hardly accessible place, which complicates its detailed review. Nevertheless, the study shows that Nikola Vulic has the right and that the relief represents Silvan and Jupiter. The attribution of the third figure, probably Mars, is difficult because of the absence of known analogies. Study has shown that the Smederevo relief was dedicated to Jupiter as the supreme god and to Silvan Domesticus in order to protect home and property. Silvan on this relief was represented in his italic form, most likely under the influences that came with the army from neighboring Pannonia. If the third figure on this relief is understood to be Mars, then Silvan could be interpreted as the defender of home, family, and property on the outskirts of some settlements but also as a tutor of finium in these border areas of the Empire.