exact name: 'Jupiter giant column of Ladenburg'
found in 1973 in Ladenburg (Lopodunum), Trajanstr. 19a
this is a copy - the original is in the Lobdengau Museum Ladenburg
beginning of the 3rd century AD
the story behind it:
The monument to the gods dedicated to Jupiter was found - broken into pieces - in a Roman well after it had already been destroyed twice in antiquity.
The column monument consists of a base plate on which stands a base stone with 3 god reliefs (the so-called four gods stone).
This is followed by a rectangular intermediate base with rosette ornamentation on the side sides and the dedication inscription on the front, which indicates that the column has been restored. Above this rises the scale column with the figural capital, which bears the depiction of the 'Four Seasons'. The final part is the fully sculpted figure of Jupiter on horseback, which was originally badly damaged but was added for the museum display.
Juno on the front of the four gods stone holds the open incense box (Accera) in her left hand, and a sacrificial bowl (Patera) in her right hand - above the altar is the peacock. Minerva follows clockwise with a lance and shield. Behind her sits the owl on a small pillar. The back is filled with the image of Hercules with bow and quiver, the lion's skin and the apples of the Hesperides in his left hand. The fourth side shows Mercury with a winged hat and cloak, a snake staff (Caduceus) and a bulging purse.
The inscription on the front reads:
IN * H(onorem) * D(omus) * D(ivinae) In honor of the divine imperial house
I(ovi) * O(ptimo) * M(aximo) Jupiter, the best and greatest
ET * IVNONI and Juno
REGIN(A)E Regina
NOVANIVS Novanius
AVGUSVS Augustus
IN * SVO * R(estituit) has restored this monument on its own land
Q: Inscription tablet