**Originally Listed At $500**

Roman, Holy Land, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A finely-detailed lead ex-voto figure depicting Atargatis Heliopolitanus from the cult of the Heliopolitan Triad. The goddess figure is in the center, flanked by bulls. This example is less abstract than many! Items like these were carried on ceremonial occasions in a sacred procession from Heliopolis to Ain Lejouj where they were then flung into the waters of the spring. This was originally a Canaanite cult that the Romans adopted when they conquered the city of Heliopolis in modern day Lebanon. The god Ba'al became Jupiter Heliopolitanus; Atargatis (sometimes called Astarte) became Venus Heliopolitana, and Adon became Mercury, son of Jupiter and Venus. The Romans built a temple to the Triad, and votives like this one to the cult have been found in the region. Size: 2.2" W x 3.45" H (5.6 cm x 8.8 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#122325

Slight bending to form. White and grey patina on surface. Excellent remaining detail.