18.10.2013 600 mysterious amulets

The discovery of 600 mysterious amulets and seals in Turkey was supposed to help unravel the mystery of an ancient religion about which scientists still know little. They date from the seventh to fourth centuries BC.

The discovery has been described by scientists as "unparalleled". They were found in an ancient shrine near the Turkish city of Dülük. They discovered more than 600 seals and amulets dating from the 7th to the 4th century BC. "Such a large number of seals and amulets have never been found in such a place. They were probably used to worship a god," said Engelbert Winter, head of the archaeological team.

The artefacts, identified as Late Babylonian, were found in the ancient shrine of Jupiter Dolichenus, who was one of the most important deities of the Roman Empire in the second century AD.

Many of the pieces depict scenes of adoration and provide a surprisingly "vivid" view of the faith. Jupiter Dolichenus was the god of a Roman cult whose practices are still shrouded in enormous mystery. The cult involved secret ceremonies known only to the initiated. Scientists hoped that the discovery of the amulets and seals would give them an insight into these religious practices.

The artefacts found were made of glass, stone and pottery. The themes found ranged from geometric ornaments and astral symbols to elaborate depictions of animals and people. They included men praying in front of divine symbols. Another popular theme was a royal hero battling animals and hybrid creatures.

During the excavations at the sanctuary on Turkey's Mount Dülük Baba Tepesi, Professor Winter's team worked on an area of over 500 square metres. "The results are already expanding our knowledge of all periods in the long history of this holy site," Winter stated.

The history of the old sanctuary is quite rich, dating back to the Roman era. There was even a Christian monastery nearby that operated there during the Crusades.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk