Lapis lazuli gem: Tropaion on thunderbolt (A) Ἀβραξάς (B)

PP-ID:

PP-1151

Classification:

gem, magical

Collection ID:

DE-Augsburg, RömMus_1995,1696

Collection:

Augsburg, Römisches Museum

Collection Inventory:

1995,1696

Reference Numbers:

CBd, no. 1151

Material:

lapis lazuli (blue)

Dimensions:

8 × 10.5 × 1.8 mm

Date:

last 3rd of the 1st c. – early 2nd c. (G. Platz-Horster)

Iconography:

tropaion; shield; spears (2); thunderbolt

Divine Names & Voces:

Ἀβραξάς

Provenience:

Augsburg

Upright oval lapis lazuli gem with a trapezoid section, both faces flat, obverse worn, reverse smooth and polished. (Shape 8–9). Upper third of the stone missing, remaining part intact.

Found in Augsburg, at 11 Ausseres Pfaffengässchen, "Aus der Benutzungsschicht einer Holzbauphase des letzten Drittel des 1. – Anfang 2. Jahrhunderts n. Chr." (G. Platz-Horster)

Side A: Tropaion complemented with a round shield shown in profile and a pair of crossed spears. Below, thunderbolt.
Side B: Fragmentary inscription in one line: [- -]ραξασ → [Ἀβ]ραξάς.

Selected bibliography
• Platz-Horster 2012 >>, 40–41, no. 13.
G. Greven - Á. M. Nagy, 'A magical gem from Augusta Vindelicum' (forthcoming).