Etruscan and Roman Hellenistic Anatomical ex voto. Reassessing Popular Religious Expressions in Central Italy

Terracotta anatomical votive offerings, tangible manifestations of popular devotion in ancient Italy, have come to light in their thousands through archaeological excavations. Considered of little value by past excavators, this material was often discarded but such finds are now recognized as pointing to a phenomenon, essential for protecting health and fertility, that was widespread and deeply rooted among the Etruscan and Italic populations of the middle and late Republican eras.

Drawing on archaeological evidence, the volume examines this particular expression of ancient popular religious practice, exploring not only its cultic nature but also its links to society and the economy. This material intersects with the still poorly known history of the plebeian classes of ancient Italy, for whom written sources provide scarce or no information. Analysis of the discovery locations of these offerings explores their connections to water cults, and new hypotheses are presented on typological and paleopathological aspects of the phenomenon. The result is a meticulously researched volume, available in English for the first time, that sheds new light onto votive practices in ancient Italy.