New Inscriptions from Nikaia XVI: Votives to Zeus (Bronton and Gorzaios)

This article presents new five votive inscriptions discovered during surveys conducted in the provinces of Sakarya and Bilecik since 2010. Three of these inscriptions are dedicated to Zeus Bronton, one to Zeus Gorzaios and the last is simply addressed to Zeus without any additional attribution (qualifying adjective). The first two inscriptions were found in close proximity to each other and suggest a new cult area for Zeus Bronton based on their location and content. Inscription number three is likely related to the recently discovered Zeus Bronton cult area in the village of Ahmetler. Inscription number four is particularly interesting, as it marks the first time the “Gorzaios” attribute, previously seen only with Apollo, is mentioned alongside Zeus. This shows “Gorzaios” attribute is not unique to Apollo. Inscription number five is a typical votive inscription that mentions only Zeus. This article introduces these five new inscriptions, along with their contents: 1) Votive offering of Claudius Ba--- to Zeus Bronton; 2) Votive offering of Claudius Secundus to Zeus Bronton; 3) Votive offering of Glaukias and Lucius to Zeus Bronton; 4) Votive offering of Domitius Stephanos to Zeus Gorzaios; 5) Votive offering of Alexander to Zeus.