Le iscrizioni a matrice religiosa dei vilici: la documentazione di Roma e Ostia

The paper studies the religious expressions of vilici, by analizing both the literary sources and epigraphic documentation concerning the cities of Rome and Ostia. A certain variety of information deriving from the inscriptions is counterposed to the paucity and selectivity of the ancient Authors. The epigraphic documents highlight the loyalty espressions towards the imperial family and the free choise of divine figures which often worshipped by means of altars and small simulacra dedication. The dedication are offered both by vilici pertaining to the Caesaris familia and private citizens, both acting as single persons, small groups or even as members of collegia. Groups of workers operating in horrea and praedia are often involved in the dedications. The records of vilici devoted to religious procedures are, instead, more rare.