LECTURE – Roman River Gods and Spring Nymphs

For the Romans, the world around them was filled with gods and divine powers. Certain trees were worshipped, but so were springs and rivers. River gods and spring nymphs are the subject of this lecture. They were worshipped locally in sanctuaries with statues of gods and votive offerings. Several of these sanctuaries have been excavated. Special veneration was given to major rivers such as the Tiber, Nile, Rhine, and Danube.

During the lecture, the focus will be on archaeology, art history, and mythology. Archaeological remains show what the worship of these natural forces looked like in practice and how people experienced it. In addition, there are artistic wall paintings, reliefs, and statues depicting the stories in which these fascinating deities play a role. Spring nymphs are portrayed as graceful young women, while river gods are depicted as relaxed older men reclining.

Practical information

• What? Lecture – Roman River Gods and Spring Nymphs
• When? Monday, 24 August
• Time? 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Where? MFC ‘t Paradies, Munsterstraat 61, Roermond
• Speaker? Gemma Jansen (Classicist and archaeologist)
• Price? €16.00 (including course material)
• Registration? gemma.jansen@rubico.nu