The Surfacing of Nehalennia

In 1647 in Domburg, Zeeland, the remains of a temple were found. Inside it, they discovered votive stones dedicated to a local Goddess: Nehalennia. Back then there wasn't really a historical society, and preserving the cultus of a pagan Goddess was not a priority. Some of the stones were moved to a church, where they were displayed underneath the stairs, with a leaky roof. Other stones were used as lawn ornaments for a rich proprietor. After a lightning strike the church burnt down, and the stones were lost. Many of the stones who had been on the lawn were irrevocably damaged.

But Nehalennia was not ready to be forgotten. On the 14th of April 1970 fisherman K.J. Bout found some strange stones in his fishing nets. He could have tossed them back, but instead he realized the value of these stones. He contacted the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden who sent a representative. While waiting, Bout fished up more stones, and part of what looked like a temple. Bout made his ship available for several diving trips, and over 240 votive stones surfaced.

Many of the stones depict a woman, sitting on a throne, or standing with one foot on the bow of a ship. She wears a very distinct pereline (a short shoulder cape), and holds a basket filled with apples, pears, and breads. Standing next to her sits her loyal dog companion. Most of the stones also hold an inscription, thanking Deae Nehalleniae for safe travel over sea. From the inscriptions we also learn that many of the people who made an offering were traders, hailing from Italy, Cologne, Brittain, Trier, and southern France.
Through this magnificent find, we have learned a lot more about our "local" Goddess Nehalennia.

Over the years, more votive stones surfaced. Found in Trier, Cologne, Tongeren, and even some that might be Nehalennia in Brittain. All stones and remains have been dated to be between 150-250CE, and worshipers all come from a large area that encompasses Gallia Belgica, Germania Inferior, Germania Superior en Britannia. Even though Nehalennia is clearly also found outside the Netherlands, us Dutch people have laid a claim on her. Especially since two of her temples have both been found in Zeeland, she is seen as a local Goddess, and one we are very proud of.