Anatomical Ex-Votos as a Reflection of 'Religious Romanization'? Reappraising a Central Italian Practice

This article seeks to provide a new analysis for the phenomenon of anatomical votive offerings in Central Italy. Traditionally, these items��� distribution was examined in relation to Roman colonization. Simply put, the extension of Rome���s power into Central Italy and the consequent establishment of colonial settlements were thought to be the foundational causes behind the popularity of these votives. This paper debunks such a view, examining the evidence in light of production, distribution and consumption. By doing so, the failures and unsuitability of Romanocentric explanations will become apparent: namely, Rome���s centrality played a limited role at all three aforementioned levels. What the evidence highlights, instead, is a more dynamic interplay among various Central Italian settlements, further emphasizing the importance of localized decision-making. The final result is the formation of a Central Italian koine in which these localized strands took part.
PHASIS, No. 23 (2020)