Bindus is a theonym attested in the territory of the Iapodes tribe. According to scholars, the name refers to a water deity worshipped by the Iapodes, since its name is attested next to Roman deity Neptune.[1]
Epigraphy
The name is attested in epigraphic monuments found in Dardanian territory, dated to the 2nd century, near the rivers Ibra and Drina.[2] At least 11 votive documents dedicated to the deity were found in Privilica, Bihac:[3][4][5]
- Bindo Neptuno sacrum
- B[i]ndo Neptuno sacr[um]
- (Bindo Nep)tuno
- Bindo N[e]ptuno sa[c]r(um)
- Bindo N(eptuno) s(acrum)
- [Bi]ndi
- Bi[ndo].
Out of the available epigraphy, four were dedicated by indigenous Romanized elites (praepositus), dated to Flavian times, and two offered by soldiers (dated to 3rd century).[6]
A personal name Bindho was also found in a Noricum holy spring.[7]
Name and etymology
Linguists have connected the theonym to Old Cornish banne, Middle Cornish banna and Breton banne (all meaning 'drop'); Middle Irish buine 'water, stream' and Old Indic bindú- 'drop'.[8][9]
Polish linguist Krzysztof Tomasz Witczak also sees some possible cognate relationship between the Illyrian deity and the Lusitanian Bandua.[10]
Etymological connections have also been proposed between the deity's name and a place named fons Bandusiae, mentioned by Horatio in one of his Odes.[11]
Interpretations
Bindus is interpreted as the name of a deity of seas and waters,[12][13] or a deity of sources.[14] In addition, an altar dedicated to Bindus shows its possible symbols: a figure is depicted with an oar and a dolphin on one side, and a triton with an oar on the other side.[15][13]
See also
References
Bibliography
- Dzino, Danijel (2009). "Bindus Neptunus: Hybridity, acculturation and the display of power in the hinterland of Roman Dalmatia". Histria Antiqua. 18 (1): 355–362.
- Ferri, Naser (2012). "Vjerovanja i štovanje bogova u predkršćanskoj Dardaniji" [Cults and Beliefs in Pre-Christian Dardania]. Godišnjak Centra za balkanološka ispitivanja (in Bosnian) (41). Akademija Nauka i Umjetnosti Bosne i Hercegovine: 135–158. doi:10.5644/Godisnjak.CBI.ANUBiH-40.8.
- Huseinović, Edin (2022). "The valley of the Una river, the land of the "Illyrian" Iapodes". Godišnjak Udruženja BATHINVS "Acta Illyrica". 6: 157–189. doi:10.54524/2490-3930.2022.157.
- Katičić, Radoslav (1972). "Drei Altbalkanische Nomina Sacra" [Three Old-Balkan Nomina Sacras]. Godišnjak Centra za balkanološka ispitivanja (in German) (9): 126–127.
Further reading
- Ferri, Naser (2008). "BINDI - HYJ JAPOD APO HYJ GJITHILIR?" [BINDUS – JAPOD DEITY OR PANILLYRIAN DEITY?]. Gjurmime Albanologjike - Folklor Dhe Etnologji (in Albanian) (38). Instituti Albanologjik i Prishtinës: 231–241.
- Nemeti, Sorin (2004). "Bindus-Neptunus and Ianus Geminus at Alburnus Maior (Dacia)". Studia Historica: Historia Antigua. 22: 91–101.