The cult of Iupiter Dolichenus : origins and iconography

Abstract

This thesis examines the iconography of Roman deity Iupiter Dolichenus in order to gain an insight into cult’s hidden meaning. The image of weather gods from Iron Age to the Greco-Roman Period in Northern Syria is also investigated since the representation of Iupiter Dolichenus was unique in the West and the close similarity of the representation of the god with the local weather gods of Northern Syria may point to the continuity of the cult. In the absence of ancient literary sources, the other gods, goddesses and symbols represented in Dolichenian cult objects may express a part of Dolichenian doctrine. This is why they are included into this study.