Altar

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This stone altar was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was erected between 140 and 160 AD and is dedicated to the god Apollo, the god of light, healing and prophecy, who was also associated with music and archery.

This side of the altar has an inscription recording that the centurian Lucius Maximius Gaetulicus dedicated this altar to Apollo.

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 altars, such as this one, glorifying the gods.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-443-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: Between 140 and 160 AD
  
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• References:
  • Collingwood, R.G. & Wright, R.P. The Roman Inscriptions of Britain Vol. 1: Inscriptions on Stone. Oxford: University Press, 1965, no. 2120, pp 651-2. 
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 143. 
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