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3.23 Epona

Epona was a Gaulish fertility deity associated with horses. A single figure of Epona seated between two ponies is thought to have been found in Wiltshire (166), although it was probably imported from Gaul (Toynbee 1964, 103) where the goddess was particularly popular (Oaks 1987, 295). Depictions of the Gallo-Roman goddess are rare in Britain, and she is seen more often on the Continent. Continental figurines often show her riding a horse (Boucher 1976, 163 and pl. 62, nos 296 and 297), and a small stone sculpture from Colchester depicts Epona in this pose (CSIR 8, no. 14, pl. 7). While the Wiltshire figurine appears to be unique among metal depictions of the goddess, other stone reliefs from the Continent similarly show Epona with two horses either in front of or beside her (Oaks 1987, 297).


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