Magic and Faith @museum.de

The Roman temple district was located on the western hill of the city, near today's prison. Excavations of the area did not begin until 1995, when the museum was already complete. The head of the goddess Juno, who was worshipped by the inhabitants of Sumelocenna at the time, was also found there.

Roman temples were more than just magnificent buildings; they were the heart of religious life. Anyone who considered themselves important and had the necessary funds spared no expense. An altar here, a statue there, all in honor of the gods.Those who made donations hoped for divine assistance. Influence, wealth, perhaps even a little luck. All this was to be secured through such gifts.

But it was not only the rich who wanted to secure the favor of the gods. Ordinary people also made offerings, often small things with great significance: a ring, a coin, a pretty vessel, or a small figure made of clay or bronze. These consecrated gifts were very personal. Some placed them on a small altar at home, others brought them to the temple. And sometimes they were even placed in the grave as companions for the afterlife.

Faith was omnipresent, and with it the fear of the unknown. Illnesses, accidents, natural disasters—many things could not be explained. And so people sought protection wherever they could. Magic played a major role in this. Amulets in all shapes and made from a wide variety of materials were believed to help. They were worn on the body, used to decorate animals, or hung on objects. The main thing was that they offered protection from the unknown. This shows that religion in ancient Rome was not just a matter of faith, it was part of everyday life. Visible in temples, noticeable in small gifts, and palpable in the hope that the gods would be favorable.