The Bronze Tablet of Pergamon and the Iconography of the Threefold Goddess

The recent discovery of a bronze tablet at Pergamon that dates back to the 3rd century AD sheds light on the complex iconography and worship of the goddess Hecate. This artifact, which features three goddesses on a triangular panel, provides a fascinating glimpse into the religious practices and cultural beliefs of the time.

Context and Interpretation

It is important to note that the worship of Hecate varied significantly depending on the region and time period. Greek mythology, much like Anatolian or Roman religions, was never standardized. This bronze tablet, uncovered in Sardis, reflects the religious beliefs and practices prevalent in Anatolia during the 3rd century AD. It speaks to a time when Orphic influences were strong, and the concept of the Triple Goddess was deeply entrenched.

The Goddesses on the Tablet

Upon close inspection, the tablet portrays three goddesses in a circular formation on a triangular panel. Each goddess appears crowned, and they hold symbols that identify their roles and attributes. The inscriptions above their names provide additional context:

Left to right: Phoebe ("Bright"): Holding a torch and a sickle or ruler, this goddess likely symbolizes the dawn, the beginning, and the constraints of time. Dione ("Sky" or "Star"): Holding grain and a flail, she represents the period of harvest and labor, the peak of life. Nyxie ("Night" or "Darkness"): Holding a snake and a sword, she signifies death and renewal, the end and the start anew.

Each goddess is seated on a post with a crown that resembles a temple, and her name (Amibousa or Amivousa) is inscribed at her feet. Surrounding the panel are inscriptions that read: "O Persephone! O Melinoe! O Leucophryne!"

Interpreting the Iconography

The term "ameivo" suggests a transformative process or metamorphosis, which aligns with Hecate's role as a guardian of transitions. The tablet, designed to be turned, symbolizes the changing of goddesses, reflecting the stages of life: maiden, mother, crone, and beyond. This concept aligns with the agricultural cycle, with Phoebe representing spring, Dione summer/fall, and Nyxie winter. However, while these goddesses symbolize stages of life, they do not necessarily represent specific forms of Hecate.

The Goddesses Named

The inscriptions refer to three specific goddesses: Persephone, Melinoe, and Leucophryne. Each of these goddesses has significant roles within Greek mythology:

Persephone: The harvest goddess, associated with Demeter and her journey to the underworld. Melinoe: Associated with death and darkness, she is connected to the Orphic mysteries and the transformation from life to death. Leucophryne: This name could refer to either a local deity or a woman who became a deified figure in Sardis, associated with love and maidenhood.

These goddesses, alongside Hecate, represent different facets of life and death, reflecting the broader concept of the Triple Goddess. The focus on these goddesses aligns more with the worship of Cybele or the Morrigan rather than Hecate specifically.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, it appears that the tablet was used in initiations into the Orphic or Eleusinian Mysteries. It served as a tool to symbolize the transitions and stages of life, with each goddess representing a different phase. This artifact provides valuable insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the time, revealing the complex intertwining of gods and goddesses in the ancient Mediterranean world.

While Hecate played a crucial role in the concept of transition and guardianship, the specific identity of the goddesses on the tablet remains open to interpretation. The tablet's design and the deities referenced suggest a ritualistic and mystical context, but definitive conclusions are challenging without direct initiation into the mysteries.

Footnote

The worship of the Triple Goddess, often represented by the Great Mother or Mother Goddess (such as Cybele), was widespread across the ancient Mediterranean. From the cults honoring Demeter and her daughter Persephone on Crete to the Phrygian goddess Cybele, these goddesses were central to the lives and beliefs of ancient peoples. The triangle, a symbol deeply connected to Pythagoreanism and the rites of initiation, further underscores the mystical and symbolic significance of this artifact.