In Search of Venus: A New Approach to the Interpretation of the Cult of Venus Ansotica from Nin

The discovery of a votive inscription dedicated to goddess Anzotica on the peninsula bordering the Nin lagoon was followed by the excavation of a statue of Venus and Priapus and another inscription invoking Venus Ansotica in 1938. Based on the context of the find, M. Abramić proposed the syncretic name Venus Ansotica for the excavated sculpture, which recognises a fusion of Roman and Liburnian divine identities. Subsequently, N. Cambi provided a comprehensive description of the sculpture, and interpreted the associated cult as the embodiment of fertility, universal creation and motherhood, following the earlier suggestions of M. Suić. This paper aims to provide an alternative interpretation of the cult of Venus and Priapus in the Adriatic milieu that incorporates these significant archaeological discoveries. During the Hellenistic and early Roman periods, the worship of Venus in various Adriatic coastal settlements (e.g. Urium, Ancona, Dyrrhachium) is frequently documented in ancient literary sources and epigraphic evidence. While in Roman contexts she appears predominantly in Latin form, she is also attested under her Greek name – Aphrodite (e.g. Cape Leuca, Aphrodite Eutyches), or as a Latin variant with a Greek epithet (e.g. Venus Sosandra, Venus Pelagia). The maritime-oriented Greek cult of the Knidian Aphrodite is undoubtedly the basis for these different names and manifestations. Priapus, a deity inextricably linked to fertility and vegetation, has been mentioned in Greek literature since archaic times and he gained particular importance in the Hellenistic and early Roman periods as a protective figure for fishermen and sailors. Recent archaeological discoveries confirm his reverence in maritime contexts, as evidenced by sanctuaries on ships where he was worshipped as the protector of seafarers. Despite the known importance of the Adriatic for trade and communication with neighbouring coasts and the wider Mediterranean, scholarly discourse often lacks a detailed understanding of the maritime cults of the Adriatic, especially those of indigenous origin. The Liburni are consistently portrayed in the scholarly literature as central players in maritime activities and shipbuilding in the Adriatic. However, there is no concrete evidence of their maritime religious practises, which is remarkable given the frequency of such phenomena among other seafaring peoples, especially Greeks and Phoenicians. A new interpretation of the Venus Ansotica cult could open up new perspectives on this little-researched facet of Adriatic cultural history.