Antiquity Studies

Rural Shrines and Writing Practices: The Case of the Shrine of Iuppiter Aeternus in Villanuova sul Clisi (Valle Sabbia – BS)

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Abstract

Recent archaeological investigations in Valle Sabbia (Brescia, Lombardy) have uncovered a Roman sanctuary likely built over an earlier indigenous cult site. This Alpine valley, between Lakes Idro and Garda, was a key corridor linking the Po Plain to the Alps, facilitating mobility and cultural exchange. Since 2000, systematic excavations have revealed long-term ritual continuity in elevated, wooded locations. The Villanuova sul Clisi sanctuary yielded architectural remains, votive materials (first-fourth century CE), and inscriptions to Iuppiter Aeternus, highlighting Roman and local cult interactions.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: April 8, 2025 | Accepted: April 22, 2025 | Published Sept. 24, 2025 | Language: it

Keywords Brescia/Brixia • Graffiti • Iuppiter Aeternus • Latin inscriptions • Valle Sabbia • Indigenous sanctuary

Copyright © 2025 Serena Solano, Gian Luca Gregori, Alfredo Buonopane. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/978-88-6969-931-3/010


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