from Newstead, Roxburghshire
This stone altar was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was erected by the Vocontian unit between 140 and 155 AD and is dedicated to the goddesses of the Parade Ground.
The inscription reads 'CAMPESTR SACRVM AEL MARCVS DEC ALAE AVG VOCONTIO VSLLM' which translates as 'Sacred to the Goddesses of the Parade Ground, Aelius Marcus, officer in the Augustan Cavalry Regiment of Vocontians, gladly, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow.'
An altar was a public sign of a worshipper's beliefs in the Roman world. On each is recorded the donor's name as well as that of the deity. Offerings were made in the hollow on the top. The goddesses of the Parade Ground were understandably popular amongst soldiers.
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