Station: [13] Gods


Beneath the Roman pantheon, you can see four display cases with important finds from the Imperial era. The figurines were either used as votive offerings or stood in a small household shrine, known as a lararium. The bronze figurine of the god Jupiter was discovered during excavations in the Innstadt district in the early 20th century. For decades, it was regarded as the identifier of Roman Passau. It was manufactured in serial production, unlike another Jupiter figure, which was found in the Lukas-Kern Strasse. This one is unique and was produced in a single pour casting process. Apart from the cloak draped over the left arm, it is identical to the Innstadt figurine. The figurine of the Roman goddess of victory, Victoria, was found in the church of the Holy Cross at the monastery in Niedernburg. It was buried in a destruction layer dated to the third century. This destruction is usually associated with raids by the Alamanni tribes. In the end, even the wreath raised in victory could not protect this Victory against her own downfall. The Terra Sigillata bowl was also found in the Niedernburg monastery. It was dedicated to a genius, a divine Roman personal guardian. The Romans believed that a Genius could protect a man, a community or even an entire people. It embodied strength, charisma and various virtues. This genius probably protected a Roman century, a company of one hundred soldiers.

In the provinces, the Romans worshipped the same idols as at home in Italy. But over the centuries, they also adopted some of the native gods of the peoples in the defeated territories.