DO UT DES – Cultic coin deposits at the Drava river near Rosegg/Rožek in Carinthia (AUSTRIA). Analysis of the find inventory in the Museum Archeo Norico, Deutschlandsberg (Styria, Austria)

Abstract

In 2017, two Roman bridges over the Drava river were discovered in the municipality of Rosegg (Rožek)/Emmersdorf in Carinthia (Austria). Although the existence of a bridge had been known for a long time it could only be identified as definitely Roman after further investigations. In addition, parts of Roman grave monuments and small finds, especially Celtic and Roman coins, have been found at the site within several years. The coin finds are particularly important as witness for the passage and use of the bridges, as they not only provide a chronological framework for the crossing of the Drava river at this point, but they also offer cultural and socio-historical information. According to this, the coins found in the area of the ancient bridges can be interpreted as sacrifices for a safe river crossing. This custom began as early as the late Latene period and was maintained until late Roman times.