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Roman Sanctuary of Kempraten (sacred grove)
Rapperswil-Jona, eastern shore of Lake Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland
Inactive (archaeological)
Historical / archaeological
- Location
- Rapperswil-Jona, eastern shore of Lake Zurich, Switzerland
- Coordinates
- ~47.23°N 8.82°E
- Size
- Walled area ~900 m²
- Age / Founded
- Built early 2nd c. AD, in use to 4th c. AD (Roman)
- Status
- Inactive (archaeological)
- Deity & Religion
- Romano-Celtic gods incl. Magna Mater; Roman/Celtic religion
- Community & Guardians
- Gallo-Roman inhabitants of vicus Kempraten
- Vernacular name
- Lucus (Gallo-Roman)
- Record type
- Historical / archaeological
Cultural practices & uses
Animal sacrifice (cattle, equids), feasting, curse tablets, votive offerings
Plant species
Forest undergrowth, shrubs & trees; Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) frequent; stone pine
Biome & fauna
Central European waterlogged grove; cattle, equids, pike (Esox lucius)
Threats & protection
Excavated 2009-2013; preserved by waterlogging
Source
Akeret, Deschler-Erb et al., 'Feasting in a Sacred Grove: Roman sanctuary of Kempraten'