NMS


 

Record

Altar

< 1 of 1 > Back

from Birrens, Dumfriesshire

Altar
Add to album

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

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.


< 1 of 1 > Back