- Information
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STATUE OF THE GODDESS MINERVA WITH A POSTAMENT
marble
2nd century
Finding site: western temple and the portico in front of the temple (exploration in 1967, 1968)
Statue – height: 183 cm; postament – height: 136 cm
The statue of the goddess Minerva with pedestal, found towards the end of the 1960’s at Varaždinske Toplice, testifies to the temples being furnished with works of art of premium quality, while the new finds of altars attest to her being worshipped by different social classes.
The pedestal carries an inscription which says that the statue had been erected by Lucius Claudius Moderatus, a very reputable personality, among others also a member of the city council of the colonia Savaria (Szombathely) and municipium Salla (Zalalovő). The most recent discovery, made in 2011, revealed that this had not been his only visit to this sanctuary, as his name appears on another, smaller altar also consecrated to Minerva.
As his official function is not indicated next to his name, one can assume that this was one and the same person. It is possible that, after having undergone successful treatment, for which Minerva deserved his gratitude, Lucius Claudius Moderatus returned to Aquae Iasae and had a statue for her temple fashioned and erected.