Divinitatea capadociană Mâ la Roma

Abstract

The Cappadocian Deity Mâ in Rome

The main aim of this article is to underline the means according to which the cult of the Cappadocian deity named Mâ came to be established at Rome in quite an unusual manner during the time of the Roman general and statesman Lucius Comelius Sullâ. The legend states that, when campagning in Asia Minor, Sulla had a vision of a certain Lunar- type deity “whese cult the Romans had learned fiom tne Cappadocians” (Plutarch, Sulla, IX, 7-8). After he subsequently met a range of victories in the area, he established her cult in Rome when the Mithridatic wars came to an end in 63 B.C., under the guise of Bellona Insulensis, whose main temple was placed on the Tiberine island. Still, the unofficial and thus strange manner of introducing the Cappadocian godess among the genuine Roman divinities is quite interesting, in spite of the noisy and tremenduous ceremonies performed on her behalf, the specific characteristics of her hierodouloi (sacred slaves) and theophoretoi (who were considered “inspired by the gods”), and the association of her rituals with those of another Oriental-origin goddess, Magna Mater deum Idaea (Cybele).

Keywords: Roma, culte capadociene, divinităţi romane