1,900-Year-Old Roman Altar to Sun God Sol Found in Scotland
Archaeologists found a rare 1,900-year-old Roman altar dedicated to Sol, the sun god, in Scotland. The carved stone monument was used in secret underground rituals by followers of Mithras, a male-only Roman religion.
Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable 1,900-year-old Roman altar dedicated to Sol, the sun god, in Scotland. The carved stone monument dates to the 140s AD, when Emperor Antoninus Pius reoccupied southern Scotland.
The altar was used in secret rituals by followers of Mithras, a mysterious Roman religion that was exclusively for men. This cult celebrated the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The rituals took place in underground chambers away from public view.
One altar shows the carved face of Sol, representing light, order, and cosmic power in Roman religion. These discoveries reveal new details about the lives and beliefs of Roman soldiers stationed on the empire's northern frontier.
Mithras was a secretive cult that operated at the fringes of the Roman Empire. Finding these altars in Scotland shows how far Roman religious practices spread, even to remote military outposts.
The rare altars will be displayed in Edinburgh, giving the public a chance to see these ancient religious artifacts that survived nearly two millennia.
This discovery gives us a rare glimpse into the secret religious practices of Roman soldiers stationed on ancient frontiers. It shows how diverse beliefs spread across the Roman Empire, even reaching remote outposts in Scotland.
The altars will be put on display in Edinburgh for public viewing.
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