This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience.
Find out more on how we use cookies in our privacy policy.

 
Monumentum

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.
  • Altars to the Mithras and Sol of the Mithraeum of Inveresk

    Altars to the Mithras and Sol of the Mithraeum of Inveresk
    Current Archaeology 

  • Laser-scanning of the Sol altar of the Inveresk Mithraeum

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

  • Inveresk altar with griffin.

    Inveresk altar with griffin.
    AOC Archaeology Group 

 
The New Mithraeum
19 Aug 2021
Updated on Oct 2022

The full article is reserved for our members.

Log in or create a free account to access the entire site.

Excavations to the east of the Roman fort of Inveresk in 2010 partly uncovered remains of a Mithraeum – the first from Scotland, and the earliest securely dated example from Britain.

A large rectangular sunken feature with lateral benches contained two altars buried face down at its north-western end. One was dedicated to Mithras, with iconography of both Mithras (ravens and a torch) and Apollo (griffin, lyre and a probable plectrum) as well as libation vessels. The other was dedicated to Sol, with a frieze above showing the four Seasons.

The Sol altar was a dramatic one, with a

P…

Related monuments

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.