Bindus (Illyrian god)

Bindus is a theonym attested in the territory of the Iapodes tribe. According to scholars, the name refers to a water deity worshipped by the Iapodes, since its name is attested next to Roman deity Neptune.^[1][2]

Epigraphy

The name is attested in epigraphic monuments found in Dardanian territory, dated to the 2nd century, near the rivers Ibër and Drin.^[3] At least 11 votive documents dedicated to the deity were found in Privilica, Bihac:^[4][5][6]

• Bindo Neptuno sacrum
• B[i]ndo Neptuno sacr[um]
• (Bindo Nep)tuno
• Bindo N[e]ptuno sa[c]r(um)
• Bindo N(eptuno) s(acrum)
• [Bi]ndi
• Bi[ndo].

Out of the available epigraphy, four were dedicated by indigenous Romanized elites (praepositus), dated to Flavian times, and two offered by soldiers (dated to 3rd century).^[7]

A personal name Bindho was also found in a Noricum holy spring.^[8]

Name and etymology

Linguists have connected the theonym to Old Cornish banne, Middle Cornish banna and Breton banne (all meaning 'drop'); Middle Irish buine 'water, stream' and Old Indic bindú- 'drop'.^[9][10]

Polish linguist Krzysztof Tomasz Witczak also sees some possible cognate relationship between the Illyrian deity and the Lusitanian Bandua.^[11]

Etymological connections have also been proposed between the deity's name and a place named fons Bandusiae, mentioned by Horatio in one of his Odes.^[12]

Interpretations

Bindus is interpreted as the name of a deity of seas and waters,^[13][14][15] or a deity of sources.^[16][17] In this regard, according to Croatian historian Aleksandar Stipčević, this interpretation is supported by the location of their altars at the source of a river in Privilica.^[18]

Iconography

An altar dedicated to Bindus shows its possible symbols: a figure is depicted with an oar and a dolphin on one side, and a triton with an oar on the other side.^[19][15][20]

See also

• Illyrian religion