Gifts from gods to humans and offerings from humans to gods
Giving was not confined to individuals; it could involve groups or entities such as, say provinces. In the framework of ancient Rome, the emperors might bestow blessings on their subjects, hand down to them gifts in cash or in kind, for varying purposes. The donors may wish to express gratitude, graciousness and togetherness – or indeed subservience. The local pantheon's gods partook in this giving activity: they traded goods between themselves and they presented humans with gifts. The mosaic in Udna, Tunisia represents the gift made by a god to a king.
The paving is mosaicked in a vegetal background with at its four corners craters representing a season each. Vine growing was at the time established throughout the Mediterranean basin including North-Africa. In antiquity, artists often included it among the symbols associated to autumn. The centrepiece of the mosaic shows a young Dyonisus[1], ivy-crowned god, looking on as a retainer presents his master Icarius[2] king of Attica with grapes. The king is seated and holds a sceptre.
In human history, the visual representation of offerings points to a deep-seated practice. Archaeological sources attest to a will to express fear before gods perceived as harsh, and gratitude towards gods perceived as good and generous. Some made show of their devotion by having enormous temples built and majestic statues erected, for instance that of Zeus in Olympia. Others would resort to the sacrifice of animals of which representations were produced in images or sculptures. Archaeological sites are rife with such evidence of beliefs and cults. Literary sources corroborate them. Xenophon[3], for instance refers to the gods' liking for the hunt and those who love hunting. North African societies communed in these practices shared across the Mediterranean
