Amazing altar unearthed at Vindolanda Roman fort

Jul 15 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

A MASSIVE altar to an eastern god has been discovered on the Northumbrian Roman frontier.

The altar has been unearthed at shrine discovered during current excavations at Vindolanda Roman fort.

Unusually, the shrine is inside the fort, with the altar dedicated to Jupiter of Doliche, whose cult centre was in modern southern Turkey.

The altar inscription reads: "To Jupiter Best and Greatest of Doliche, Sulpicius Pudens, prefect of the Fourth Cohort of Gauls, fulfilled his vow gladly and deservedly."

Sulpicius Pudens was the commanding officer of the of the regiment, which originated from modern-day France, and was based at Vindolanda in the Third Century.

Vindolanda director of excavations Andrew Birley said: "What should have been part of a rampart near to the north gate of the fort has turned out to be an amazing religious shrine."

The altar shows the god standing on a bull, holding an axe and a thunderbolt, and is estimated to weigh 1.5 tonnes. The other side depicts a jar and a shallow dish.

Mr Birley said: "Major altars like this are very rare finds and to discover such a shrine inside the fort is highly unusual.

"The shrine also has evidence of animal sacrifice and possible religious feasting.

"It all adds to the excitement of the excavations and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most excavators."