Statue of Nemesis from the governor’s palace, Aquincum

Fragments of the one-metre-tall limestone statue of the goddess Nemesis were discovered in the luxurious palace of the governor of Pannonia Inferior province on Hajógyári Island in Budapest. The artwork made in the 3rd century was probably placed in a sanctuary in the palace. At the beginning of the 1950s, when it was found, it had the traces of colourful painting: the goddess’s hair was brown, her dress white, the mantle red, her face, arms and feet, as well as the griffin standing by her foot, were of nude colour. In her hands Nemesis is holding a burning torch and a globe symbolising the universe. The griffin accompanying her has its foot on a wheel (this is a modern addition made on the basis of antique parallels). The goddess is, in fact, rather an allegoric figure of changing fate (Fortuna); in particular, the aspect which reacts against and justly punishes overconfidence (hybris) was represented by Nemesis. Her cult and representation were characteristic primarily in the circle of military and official strata directing the Roman Empire.