Altar, Presiding Spirit of the Land of Britain3D ModelNoAI
A sandstone altar, dedicated to the Presiding Spirit of the Land of Britain, found near Auchendavy fort. This is one of the most unusual altars found on the Wall, as it is dedicated not to a Roman god but to a British one.
It was dedicated by a centurion from the second legion, Marcus Cocceius Firmus, who also erected three other altars to more traditionally Roman gods. It seems he was ‘keeping his options open’ by appeasing both Roman and local gods.
The Antonine Wall stretched right across Scotland, from the Clyde to the Forth. Constructed around 142 AD, and occupied for only 20 years, the remains of its ramparts, steep ditches, forts and bathhouses are still visible today. Since 2008, it has been part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site.
More information on the World Heritage Site is available on www.antoninewall.org
Reference: F.29
Hunterian Museum, Glasgow
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