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Monumentum

Altar with openwork of Inveresk

The altar of Sol from Inveresk, Scotland, was pierced, probably to illuminate part of the temple with a particular effect.
Laser-scanning of the Sol altar of the Inveresk Mithraeum

Laser-scanning of the Sol altar of the Inveresk Mithraeum
Current Archaeology 

 
 
The New Mithraeum
29 Jan 2022
 

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The Sol altar is a dramatic one, with a recess in the rear for a light which would have shone through his pierced rays, eyes, mouth and nose. Remains of an iron rod behind the nose hint at a more complex arrangement to create special visual or acoustic effects. The upper side of the monument features the busts of four ladies representing the four seasons.

Paint and plaster traces were recorded on both altars.

The dedicator, G(aius) Cas(sius) Fla(...), a centurion, may have been in command of the garrison or of a legionary detachment.

Stylistic links, especially in letter form, conne…

Related monuments

Mithraeum of Inveresk

The Mithraeum of Inveresk, south of Musselburgh, East Lothian, is the first found in Scotland, and the earliest securely dated example from Britain.

Altar of Inveresk with a griffin

This second altar discovered to date near Inveresk includes several elements unusual in Mithraic worship.