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Altar

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from Birrens, Dumfriesshire

Postcard of Altar.
000-100-037-661-C
© National Museums Scotland

Altar

This stone altar was found at the site of the Roman fort at Birrens in Dumfriesshire. It was erected between 158 and 180 AD, dedicated to all the gods and goddesses.

The inscription on the altar translates as 'To all the gods and goddesses, Frumentius, a soldier of the 2nd cohort of Tungrians [set this up].' A cohort was a military division.

An altar was a public sign of a Roman's beliefs. On each, the donor's name as well as the god's was recorded. Offerings were made in the hollow on the top. Wine was often poured onto the altar.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-037-661-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FV 3
Date: Between 158 and 180 AD
Material: Stone
Dimensions: 880 mm H x 180 mm L x 410 mm W
What:
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Dumfriesshire, Middlebie, Birrens
Event:
Description: Altar by Frumentius, a soldier in the 2nd Cohort of the Tungrians, to all the deities, from Birrens
References:
  • Collingwood, R.G. & Wright, R.P. The Roman Inscriptions of Britain Vol. 1: Inscriptions on Stone. Oxford: University Press, 1965, no. 2109, p 647. 
Translations:
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