Tra mare e sacro: le àncore della Soprintendenza del Mare e i culti mediterranei in Sicilia

The Mediterranean Sea was for the ancient peoples a place of multiple dangers. To face these risks, sailors sought divine protection, dedicating stone anchors and lead anchor stocks as ex-votos. Pioneering studies conducted in the 1970s have traced the origins of this practice back to the 2nd millennium BCE, a period when the worship of marine and protective deities was particularly widespread. In Sicily, such practices are closely associated with the cult of deities like Zeus, Aphrodite, and other figures from the Greco-Roman pantheon. This contribution offers a preliminary reflection based on the cataloging and analysis of around ten "sacred anchors" preserved or temporarily held by the Soprintendenza del Mare of the Sicilian Region. These artifacts, dating between the 6th and 3rd centuries BCE, mostly originate from the seabed off the coasts of Palermo and Trapani provinces. By analyzing the inscriptions and decorations on these anchors, the study explores the cults associated with ancient navigation, the role of protective deities, and the ritual function of coastal sanctuaries, often located near key Sicilian ports. This work delves into the symbolism and votive practices tied to the sea, offering insight into the intricate relationship between religion, navigation, and sacred geography in the ancient Mediterranean.