Inveresk, immediately south of modern Musselburgh in East Lothian, occupied a strategic position overlooking the Firth of Forth and close to the mouth of the River Esk. Its ancient name is unknown. A Roman fort was established here during the Antonine advance into Scotland in the mid-2nd century CE, forming part of the military network associated with the Antonine Wall, while a substantial civilian settlement (vicus) developed around it. Archaeological discoveries attest to a flourishing community with military, domestic and religious activity. Among them is the Mithraeum excavated east of the fort in 2010, the first identified in Scotland and the earliest securely dated example known from Roman Britain.
Mithraic monuments of Inveresk
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 with openwork of Inveresk
The altar of Sol from Inveresk, Scotland, was pierced, probably to illuminate part of the temple with a particular effect.
Altar of Inveresk with a griffin
This second altar discovered to date near Inveresk includes several elements unusual in Mithraic worship.
People attested in Inveresk
Inscriptions from Inveresk
Altar with openwork of Inveresk
Altar of Inveresk with a griffin
References
- Current Archaeology (2014) Bodyguards, corpses, and cults
- Hunter, F, Henig, M & Sauer, E (2016) Mithras in Scotland: A Mithraeum at Inveresk (East Lothian), Britannia, vol. 46, pp. 1-50
- Jessica Bowen (2026) Ancient Roman altars found in Scotland to go on display
- Mariana Egri (2020) The Archaeology of Mithraism. New Finds and Approaches to Mithras-Worship
- Philippe Roy (2021) Les cultes de Mithra dans l’Empire romain
