Archaeologists think it’s an offering to Jupiter Dolichenus, a god revered by Roman soldiers. The fortress, known as Apsaros, lies along Georgia’s western coast in what is now the town of Gonio.

There is likely a sanctuary to Jupiter Dolichenus at the Roman military site, known as the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, that has not yet been found, and archaeologists hope to find it in future seasons ...

To read about a bronze hand associated with worship of Jupiter Dolichenus that was uncovered at the Roman fort of Vindolanda, go to "Hand of God." Recommended Articles Digs & Discoveries May/June 2024 ...

It features a Greek inscription dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus—a deity worshipped in the Roman Empire who was particularly revered by soldiers. The deity combined aspects of the Roman god ...

The plaque itself is a thin plate of gold with a Greek inscription dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus—a god worshipped by Roman soldiers.

The delicate gold plaque was likely left as an offering to Jupiter Dolichenus, possibly near a place of worship, Karasiewicz-Szczypiorski said.

Jupiter Dolichenus’ popularity “spread throughout the Roman Empire, reaching a peak of popularity between the first and third centuries C.E.,” adds Lockley.

There is likely a sanctuary to Jupiter Dolichenus at the Roman military site, known as the Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, that has not yet been found, and archaeologists hope to find it in future seasons ...