The 20th Legion altars found at Auchendavy
In 1771 when the Forth Clyde canal was being built four altars were found intact near the Antonine fort of Auchendavy. The pictures below show the originals now kept in the Hunterian in Glasgow and the sketches drawn when they were found. The altars were all dedicated by Marcus Cocceius Firmus of the 20th Legion between 142 and 180 AD.
Epona was the Gaulish Celtic goddess of horses
Silvanus is the Roman god of the woods.
References
- Observations on some Roman Altars found in 1771 by Mr Gough (page 118 of Archaeologia)
- RIB 2174. Altar dedicated to Diana and Apollo
- RIB 2175. Altar dedicated to the Genius of the land of Britain
- RIB 2176. Altar dedicated to Jupiter and Victorious Victory
- RIB 2177. Altar dedicated to Mars, Minerva, the Goddesses of the Parade-ground, Hercules, Epona, and Victory
- RIB 2178. Altar dedicated to Silvanus
- The Antiquarian Rediscovery of the Antonine Wall Pasge 93 (Lawrence Keppie, 2012)
- Who was Epona?
