Nehellenia

Nehellenia is a Celtic-Roman goddess worshipped in the second and third century C.E. in the territory of what is now the province of Zeeland in The Netherlands. She was a local goddess whose main function appeared to be the protection of travellers, especially seagoing travellers. Most of what is known about her comes from the remains of offering stones which have been dregged up from the Oosterschelde since 1970.

It is unknown when the worship of Nehellenia started or ended, but it is generally accepted that her cult was at its peak in the second and third century C.E., at which time there were at least two and possibly three temples located in the area of what is now Zeeland. At the time this was an important link for the trade between the Rhine area and Britain.

Most of the offering stones dregged up from the coastal waters around Walcheren were offered to the goddess by merchants returning from a trip to Britain, as appreciation for a safe journey.