Statue base (front)

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This sandstone base for a statue was found just outside the site of the Roman fort at Birrens in Dumfriesshire. It was erected between 120 and 180 AD to the god Mercury, the god of travel, trade and commerce. He was a particular favourite of Roman soldiers.

The inscription on this side translates as 'To the god Mercury, Julius Crescens gave the statuette to the guild of the god's worshippers from his own pocket, in willing and deserved fulfilment of his vow.'

The idea of a contract between human beings and the gods was central to Roman religious practice. Offerings to the gods were made in temples and shrines devoted to particular deities. These offerings included statues glorifying the gods.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-664-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FV 6
• Date: Between 120 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Stone
  Statue base
  
• Dimensions: 790 mm H x 340 mm L x 500 mm W
  
• What: Statue base
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Middlebie, Birrens
  
• Event:
• Description: Stone base for a statue of Mercury with a patera and jug in relief on the right hand side, from Birrens
  
• References:
  • Collingwood, R.G. & Wright, R.P. The Roman Inscriptions of Britain Vol. 1: Inscriptions on Stone. Oxford: University Press, 1965, no. 2102, pp 644-5. 
• Translations:
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