Nymphas nudas vidi. Religious Though and Dacian Wars.
Irina Nemeti
- abstract -
The aim of this paper is to analyze an inscription founded out at Aquae Flavianae, province of Numidia (IDRE II 456). The epigraphic text, an almost versified epigram, belongs to a primus pilus, being, in fact, a list of desires and achievements. Then, the officer has taken part to the Dacian Wars, has accomplished a civil magistrature, and has been, as a reward, promoted primus pilus. The last verses of the epigram arouse many discussions: did the veteran really see the nude Nymphs, where did it saw them.
Our interpretation came from the historical religious field. Could the Nymphs mentioned in this inscription be integrated to the domain of the soldiers' religion? Or should we, rather, put them in connection with the personal pantheon of the worshiper that lives in a thermal city. Which could be the relation between the experience of the war and the epiphany of the Nymphs?