THE ANATOMICAL VOTIVE TERRACOTTA PHENOMENON : HEALING SANCTUARIES IN THE ETRUSCO-LATIAL-CAMPANIAN REGION DURING THE FOURTH THROUGH FIRST CENTURIES B.C

 
 
 
 

THE ANATOMICAL VOTIVE TERRACOTTA PHENOMENON : HEALING SANCTUARIES IN THE ETRUSCO-LATIAL-CAMPANIAN REGION DURING THE FOURTH THROUGH FIRST CENTURIES B.C

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Title: THE ANATOMICAL VOTIVE TERRACOTTA PHENOMENON : HEALING SANCTUARIES IN THE ETRUSCO-LATIAL-CAMPANIAN REGION DURING THE FOURTH THROUGH FIRST CENTURIES B.C
Author: LESK BLOMERUS, ALEXANDRA L.
Description: At some point in the fourth century B.C., anatomical votive terracottas began to be dedicated in sanctuaries in central Italy. Thousands of replicas of body parts have been found in votive deposits in these sanctuaries, left to deities as requests or thank offerings for healing. The spread of the anatomical votive terracotta phenomenon has been attributed to the colonisation of central Italy by the Romans. In addition, parallels have been drawn to the similar short-lived phenomenon at the Asklepieion at Corinth where models of body parts were also dedicated in the context of a healing cult. After a general introduction to the historical and physical context of the anatomical votive terracotta phenomenon, this thesis examines the link to Corinth and suggests how the practice was first transmitted to Italy. Votive evidence of early date and peculiar typology found in situ from the sanctuary at Gravisca on the south coast of Etruria suggests contact with Greeks who would have been familiar with the practice of dedicating anatomical votive terracottas at Corinth. From its point of introduction to central Italy in southern Etruria, the practice of dedicating anatomical votive terracottas spread to Rome along the communication arteries of the developing Roman road system. This thesis also examines why Asklepios, introduced to Rome in 293 B.C., had limited influence on healing cults in central Italy.
Permanent Link: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1122835729
http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/10720
Date: 1999

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