Sculpture, of Goddess Brigantia

This Roman stone sculpture represents Brigantia, the native goddess of the Brigantes, an important tribe in northern England and parts of southern Scotland. The figure was found at the site of the Roman fort at Birrens in Dumfriesshire.

Brigantia is shown in the guise of Minerva, patron goddess of engineers and of war. She is crowned and winged, holding a spear and a globe. The inscription reads: 'Sacred to Brigantia: Amandus, the engineer, fulfilled the order by command'.

Roman religion was tolerant and flexible. Deities who were not part of normal Roman beliefs were readily adopted and worshipped. On the frontier, such as Scotland, soldiers worshipped local gods and goddesses.

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