Olloudius

Olloudius, also Olludius and Ollioules, is the name of a Celtic god who was equated by the interpretatio romana with Mars.

Sites and etymology

The name Olloudius is on two dedicatory inscriptions from the Cotswolds at Custom Shrubs in Gloucestershire ( England) and one from Antibes, Greek / Roman Antipolis in the province of Gallia Narbonensis ( Alpes -Maritimes, France) to find. In Antibes Ollioules the name is written, it is obvious to the same deity.

A sculpture of God was found in the Cotswolds, he is presented with a small head and large body, in his hands he holds a platter and a double cornucopia, the dedication inscription calls him Mars Olludius. He still bears no warlike attributes and is clothed with armor instead of a cap and gown. Made to a second just found there plastic, apparently by the same sculptor, Mars is ready (without surname ) this time with shield, spear and sword, but again shown with a cornucopia.

An interpretation of the epithet Olloudius by Rudolf Thurneysen as " Big, mighty tree " in connection with the Sacred Grove ( nemeton ) is uncertain. A connection with the Latin alauda ( Crested Lark ) was also previously suspected ( legio alaudarum ).