Two remarkable stone altars, unearthed at a Roman fort near Edinburgh and subsequently acquired for the nation, are set to make their public debut in a groundbreaking new exhibition. These "stunning" artefacts, which have undergone extensive conservation work, will be showcased for the very first time later this year.
Historical Significance of the Altars
The altars once served as the centrepiece of the most northerly temple dedicated to the god Mithras within the entire Roman Empire. Experts emphasise that these pieces "really bring the beliefs of the Roman frontier to life." The cult of Mithras is described as a secretive, male-only religion that celebrated the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Excavated at Inveresk in East Lothian, the altars date back to approximately 140 AD, a period when southern Scotland was reoccupied under the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius. Curators highlight that these artefacts provide invaluable new insights into the beliefs and daily lives of soldiers stationed on this remote frontier.
Acquisition and Conservation Efforts
National Museums Scotland (NMS) acquired the altars in 2016, and this announcement marks the first public sharing of news regarding their acquisition. Since then, the altars have been the subject of meticulous conservation work. They were discovered in fragments during the 2010 excavation, having suffered damage during their centuries buried underground. Conservators have painstakingly reconstructed them in preparation for their display.
During this conservation process, experts identified traces of paint on the carvings, revealing that the altars were originally adorned with vibrant colours, a detail that adds a new dimension to our understanding of their original appearance.
Exhibition Details and Curatorial Insights
The altars will go on show in November as part of the exhibition titled Roman Scotland: Life On The Edge Of Empire. Dr Fraser Hunter, principal curator of prehistory and Roman archaeology at NMS, expressed his enthusiasm: "These stunning altars really bring the beliefs of the Roman frontier to life. The quality of the carving, traces of paint and dramatic lighting effects show they were impressive and expensive monuments."
Dr Hunter further explained the religious context: "The cult of Mithras represented the triumph of good over evil and gave soldiers a sense that there was a purpose to their world and a life after death. I’m sure visitors will be amazed by them when they can see them up close in our new exhibition."
Descriptions of the Altars
One altar features a depiction of the sun god Sol, accompanied by carvings of the four seasons represented as female deities. Curators note that it would have been illuminated from behind, creating a dramatic effect in the low light of the temple where worshippers would have seen Sol’s eyes, mouth, and the rays of his solar crown glowing.
The second altar is dedicated to Mithras himself and is decorated with carvings associated with Apollo, another god of light. These include a lyre, a griffin, a plectrum, and two ravens, which are common symbols in Mithraic imagery.
Both altars were dedicated by a legionary centurion believed to be Gaius Cassius Flavianus, whose name appears abbreviated as G CAS FLA. It is thought he was likely in command of the fort garrison at the time of their creation.
Broader Exhibition Themes
The exhibition Roman Scotland: Life On The Edge Of Empire will be held at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. It aims to address the common misconception that the Romans never ventured beyond Hadrian’s Wall. Experts clarify that the Roman Empire extended its reach northward on three separate occasions, advancing into Scotland’s central belt and deep into the north-east.
Roman fortifications in the region included the Antonine Wall, constructed across the narrowest part of Scotland from the Clyde to the Forth, with additional forts along the coasts to the west and east, including Inveresk.
For the first time, finds from Inveresk will be displayed together in this exhibition. Curators state that this collective display will shed new light on the Roman occupation in Scotland, illustrating how this "significant frontier outpost" was supplied from across the empire and examining the impacts this occupation had on the local population.
Roman Scotland: Life On The Edge Of Empire is scheduled to run from November 2026 until April 28, 2027, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating chapter of history.
