Deep Inside a Spanish Cave, Roman Women May Have Worshipped a Mysterious Goddess

Researchers analyzing Spain's Cova de les Dones have documented at least 110 Latin inscriptions in a Roman sanctuary chamber located more than 650 feet inside the cave, the largest known concentration of Latin inscriptions in a Roman cave sanctuary. Five inscriptions are votives to a goddess called Domina, or 'the Lady,' and three contain the term MALACI, a previously unknown designation for a deity. Female names, jewelry, spindle whorls, and ceramic fragments suggest women took an active role in worship there around 2,000 years ago.