[ΚΕΝΟ]



Clay votive plaque

Π33106
Clay
Mended from three fragments
Height: 10 cm.Length: 12 cm.
Knossos
Shrine of Glaucus
Hellenistic period:
225-175 BC:
Gallery:
XX
Case:
204
Exhibition thematic unit:
Classical - Hellenistic - Roman period (5th c. BC-4th c. AD). Cities and Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries
Description
Clay plaque with “Hero Rider”, identical to those found at Eltyna. It comes from a confirmed sacred space at Knossos, where similar plaques were quite popular votive offerings. This example depicts a helmeted horseman, with a snake at the bottom of the plaque. Taken together with the other finds from the shrine, such as cult vessels, votives and remains of ashes from sacrifices, it is believed that a local hero was worshipped there: most probably Glaucus, the son of Minos. The legend of his death and return to life served at Knossos as a symbol of the rites of passage marking the transition of the city’s youths from adolescence to their new life as adult citizens.
Bibliography:
Callaghan P. J., “KRS 1976: Excavations at a shrine of Glaukos, Knossos” The Annual of the British School at Athens 73 (1978), 1-30. Sporn K., Heiligtümer und Kulte Kretas in Klassischer und Hellenistischer Zeit, Heidelberg, 2002, 140-142, 396-397.
Author:
S. P.


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