What does the name Epona mean in Gaulish language?
The name Epona means Great Mare in the Gaulish language. It derives from the Proto-Celtic word ek'os for horse and includes a feminine singular suffix -a common to many deities of that era.
Questions about Epona
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was the earliest evidence of Epona's religion found at Rom in Deux-Sèvres?
A long lead sheet discovered in 1887 at Rom in Deux-Sèvres contains a first-century BC Latin text accompanying the sacrifice of a filly and a votive gift of a cauldron. This inscription dates back to the first century before Christ.
Where did auxiliary cavalry units spread the worship of Epona during the Roman Empire?
Auxiliary cavalry units known as alae popularized her cult throughout Rome and its provinces between the first and third centuries AD. Her cult was widespread also in Carinthia and Styria according to modern scholars.
How many types of sculptures of Epona were distinguished by Fernand Benoît?
Sculptures of Epona fall into five types distinguished by Benoît including riding and seated forms. The Imperial type appears more often outside Gaul where she sits on a throne flanked by horses.
What is the feast day of Epona listed on the rustic calendar from Guidizzolo Italy?
The feast day appears on a rustic calendar from Guidizzolo, Italy as December 18. This may have been merely a local celebration rather than an empire-wide holiday.