Altar

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This sandstone altar was found on the site of the Roman fort at Cramond in Midlothian. It was erected sometime between 140 and 210 AD, dedicated to Jupiter, the father of the gods.

The inscription on the altar translates as 'To Jupiter, best and greatest, the 5th Cohort of Gauls, under the command of Lucius Minthonius Tertullus, the prefect, gladly, willingly and deservedly fulfilled its vow.'

There was an state religion throughout the Roman empire. The emperor himself was worshipped, as were the three major state gods of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. Each regiment in the army renewed its vow yearly to Jupiter.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-445-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FV 22
• Date: Between 140 and 210 AD
  
• Material: Stone; inscribed
  
• Dimensions: 1080 mm H x 390 mm L x 470 mm W
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Cramond
  
• Event:
• Description: Altar dedicated to Jupiter Optimus Maximus, from Cramond
  
• References:
  • Collingwood, R.G. & Wright, R.P. The Roman Inscriptions of Britain Vol. 1: Inscriptions on Stone. Oxford: University Press, 1965, no. 2134, p 655. 
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• Related Records: