Uncovering the Significance of Paterae in Ancient Roman Art and Culture

Paterae (plural of patera) is a Latin word that means "goblet" or "cup". In ancient Roman art and architecture, paterae were small bowl-shaped vessels that were often depicted in the hands of gods and goddesses, as well as other figures. These vessels were used for libation, or the pouring out of liquid offerings, and were considered to be symbols of abundance and fertility.

In modern times, the word "patera" has been adopted by some scholars and collectors as a term for describing certain types of ancient Roman pottery and ceramics that are similar in shape and function to the original paterae. These vessels are often decorated with scenes from mythology or daily life, and can provide valuable insights into the culture and beliefs of the ancient Romans.