Italy unearths 2,000-year-old temple of ‘virgin’ Roman goddess
By IANSTuesday, November 16, 2010
Rome, Nov 16 (IANS/AKI) About 2,000-year-old temple the Romans dedicated to Diana, the goddess of virgins and wild animals, has been discovered in a national park in Italy.
The ancient religious site, covering 350 sq. metres, was found in the Maremma National Park in Tuscany, it was announced Tuesday.
It was discovered in perfect condition by a team of Italian and European archaeologists following a two-year dig.
Traditionally, Diana is known as the “virgin” goddess charged with protecting women.
According to mythology, Diana, along with goddesses Minerva and Vesta, swore never to marry, but the goddess is also associated with wild animals and nature, and so bears a second title of “Diana, goddess of the hunt”.
The temple has some seven ‘internal’ rooms. It contained 35 oil lamps, 10 coins, a bronze dog-shaped votive, two glass vials and mosaic decorations.
Three statues of Diana and her twin brother, Apollo, were also uncovered.
The temple dates between the end of the 2nd and beginning of the 3rd century AD.
–IANS/AKI
