Experts knocked for six by cricket club Roman artefacts

THE secrets of two ancient Roman altars discovered beneath a cricket pavilion in Musselburgh have finally been revealed after painstaking efforts by archaeologists.

Boasting intricate craftwork loaded with religious symbolism, the significance of the stunning stone carvings - unearthed in March last year - could turn out to be so far-reaching as to rewrite the history of the Roman occupation in Scotland.

When discovered during a revamp at Lewisvale Park, the stones were so brittle that experts were unable to analyse them conclusively. Only the backs and sides were able to be viewed until now when it became safe to inspect them fully.

Dr Fraser Hunter, Iron Age and Roman curator at National Museums Scotland, analysed the altars' importance in Roman history.

"Discoveries like this breathe life into our Roman past and show what excitements are still out there waiting to be found," he said.

"The quality of these sculptures is remarkable, and they will tell us an enormous amount.

"This is the first evidence for the god Mithras in Scotland, and changes our view of Roman religion on the northern frontier."

At the heart of one stone is an inscription dedicated to the god Mithras, with side panels depicting images of a lyre, griffon and images of items to be used for pouring offerings on the altar.

The centrepiece of the other bears a stunning carving of the god Sol, wearing a crown, while the front face depicts female heads representing the seasons.

A partially obscured panel beneath is thought to reveal the name of the worshipper, likely to be a Roman centurion, dedicating the altar to the gods.

The remnants of this Roman homage to Mithras is of particular interest because it is a unique find for Scotland, if not Britain, and the furthest north dedications to this deity have ever been discovered. Their importance lies not only in their archeological value but in how they will enrich understanding of the Romans in Scotland. It may be possible to trace the career of the dedicator if, as is expected, he is a Roman officer, identify where the stones were quarried and even determine if the carvings were sculpted by the same person.

Mithraism was a popular religion among the military forces of the Roman Empire from AD100 to 400. Mithras is often depicted slaying a bull with Sol looking on. Flecks of red and white paint are still apparent on both carvings which, although cracked and broken, are thought to have weathered well in comparison with artefacts from the same epoch.

Dr James Bruhn of Historic Scotland said: "The discovery of altar stones to the eastern god Mithras adds a fascinating new chapter to the story of Inveresk's Roman past. The quality of the altars highlights the rich archaeological remains surviving beneath the houses, gardens and parks of Inveresk and the ongoing need for us all to work together to protect and manage one of Scotland's most important Roman sites."