This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Archaeologists have uncovered the largest collection of Latin cave inscriptions anywhere in the Roman Empire. Early analysis of the inscriptions discovered at Cova Dones reveals that a female deity was worshipped at the site and that women had a prominent role in rituals there—highly unusual in Roman society.
At least 120 Latin inscriptions have been discovered, most of which are believed to date to the first and second centuries A.D. Only about 15 were previously known. The work was carried out by the DONARQ project, led by Dr.
Aitor Ruiz-Redondo (University of Zaragoza and University of Southampton) and Dr. Virginia Barciela (University of Alicante). Cova Dones previously attracted international attention after the discovery of the largest assemblage of Paleolithic rock art in eastern Iberia.
In 2024, archaeologists then revealed the existence of a hidden Roman sanctuary more than 200 meters (656 feet) underground. Ruiz-Redondo said, "Each new discovery reinforces the idea that Cova Dones served as a landmark place for the communities inhabiting this region over thousands of years, perhaps because of its permanent water supply, the distinctive character of its underground landscape or its easy accessibility. "The succession of discoveries made over the past few years is the direct result of, and at the same time demonstrates, the value of continually incorporating new specialists and disciplines into the research team, allowing us to reveal entirely new dimensions of the site." The epigraphic analysis carried out during May and June provides compelling new evidence for the prominent role of women in the underground sanctuary.
Silvia Alfayé, associate professor of ancient history at the University of Zaragoza, says, "Thanks to a group of five votive inscriptions, we can now state with certainty that, during the Roman period, worship was conducted inside the cave to a goddess reverentially referred to as Domina ('the Lady'), and that women played an active role in her cult. This goddess possessed a specific epithet, possibly connected with water, whose definitive reading is currently under study." Dr. Sergio García-Dils, lecturer at UNED-Seville and director of the Spanish School of Speleology, adds, "The fact that at least five inscriptions are dedicated to the same Domina clearly demonstrates that this was not simply a cave visited for general religious purposes.
It was the setting for the worship of a specific deity under a particular cult title. Moreover, the marked concentration of these inscriptions within a single sector of the cave strongly suggests the existence of a well-organized and structured cult." Preliminary readings suggest that at least some women inscribed their own vows, rather than having them written by a mediator. Until now, the Roman cave sanctuary with the largest known epigraphic corpus was La Griega, with 107 inscriptions.
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