Altar

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This stone altar was found at the site of the Roman fort at Birrens in Dumfriesshire. It was erected between 155 and 180 AD, dedicated to the goddess Ricagambeda.

The inscription on the altar translates as 'To the goddess Ricagambeda, the men of the Vellavian district in the 2nd cohort of Tungrians willingly and deservedly fulfilled their vow.' A cohort was a military division. This one included men from Germany.

Roman religion was tolerant and flexible. Deities who were not part of normal Roman beliefs were readily adopted and worshipped. Soldiers brought their local gods and goddesses such as Ricagambeda, who was worshipped by troops from the Rhineland.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-659-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FV 1
• Date: Between 155 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Stone
  
• Dimensions: 1120 mm H x 330 mm L x 460 mm W
  
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• Where: Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Middlebie, Birrens
  
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• Description: Altar dedicated by soldiers of the 2nd Cohort of the Tungrians to the goddess Ricagambeda, from Birrens
  
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