Salus in West Roman Lusitania

Abstract

Abstract After a general consideration of the concept of salus, in its sense of physical and mental health (also meaning well-being, prosperity), I analyze 15 Roman epigraphic documents which contained the term. The informative content of each is synthesized to fit the word context. A shrine expressly offered to the goddess Salus and others conveying requests or thanksgiving to other deities express this potentiality, divine spirits and their great capacity to protect men in all aspects of their existence, regardless of specific characteristics. Besides mentioning divinity, the epigraphic texts indicate the dedicator and why he had an inscription recorded. It is concluded that the health concern (physical or spiritual) covers all sectors of a population without distinctions of gender or social class: men, women, slaves, and senators. On the other hand, it turns out that not only the goddess Salus is invoked since requests are also made to other Roman and even indigenous deities. The testimonies were found in urban and rural settings, although an expected urban political connotation is manifested.