Two remarkable Roman altars, unearthed in Scotland, are set to go on public display for the first time, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the religious lives of Roman soldiers on the Empire's northernmost frontier. The beautifully carved stone altars, dedicated to the god Mithras, were discovered at the Roman fort of Inveresk, East Lothian, and have been acquired by the National Museums of Scotland (NMS). Their upcoming exhibition, “Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire” challenges long-held beliefs about the extent of Roman influence in Caledonia, the ancient name for Scotland.
A Window into Roman Scotland
The altars will be the centerpiece of a new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, titled Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire, running from November 14, 2026, to April 28, 2027, according to BBC Scotland. Although excavated in 2010 and acquired by the museum in 2016, the announcement of their public debut has been eagerly awaited. The artifacts date to around 140 AD, a period when the Roman army reoccupied southern Scotland under the emperor Antoninus Pius and established a new frontier along what is now known as the Antonine Wall. The altars are the only examples of their kind ever found in Scotland, La Brujula Verde reports.
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The Mysteries of Mithras
The altars were once the focal point of the most northerly known temple to the god Mithras, a mysterious cult that was particularly popular among Roman soldiers. This secretive, male-only religion centered on the eternal struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, according to the BBC report. Worship took place in subterranean temples called Mithraea, and these altars would have been dramatic centerpieces in the dimly lit chambers. The discovery of these altars provides evidence that the cult of Mithras was well-established in Britain by the mid-second century, earlier than most other evidence from the province suggests.
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The two Roman altars found at Inveresk, Scotland. (Duncan McGlynn / National Museums Scotland)
Exquisite Craftsmanship and Symbolism
The two altars are remarkable for their preservation and the quality of their carving. One altar is dedicated to the sun god Sol and was ingeniously designed to be illuminated from behind, causing the god's face and radiant crown to glow in the darkness of the temple, as La Brujula Verde describes. It also features carvings of the four seasons, symbolizing the passage of time.
The second altar honors Mithras himself and is adorned with symbols of other light-associated deities like Apollo, as well as a griffin, a lyre, and two ravens – all common in Mithraic imagery. Both altars were dedicated by a Roman centurion, likely named Gaius Cassius Flavianus, who was probably the commander of the Inveresk fort, according to BBC Scotland.
Conservation work on the fragmented altars revealed another fascinating detail: traces of pigment. This indicates that the altars were originally polychromed, painted in vibrant colors that have long since faded. This discovery challenges the common perception of stark, white Roman sculptures and offers a more colorful vision of religious life on the frontier.
The altar dedicated to the sun god Sol. (Duncan McGlynn / National Museums Scotland)
Redefining the Roman Frontier
The discovery of the Mithraic temple and its altars at Inveresk is significant not only for its religious implications but also for what it reveals about the Roman presence in Scotland. It challenges the popular notion that Hadrian's Wall was the definitive northern boundary of the Roman Empire. In reality, the Romans made several incursions into Scotland, and for about two decades, the Antonine Wall, located further north, served as the frontier. Inveresk was a vital coastal supply base for the Roman army during this period.
Dr. Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Roman Archaeology at NMS, said:
"These stunning altars really bring the beliefs of the Roman frontier to life. The quality of the carving, traces of paint and dramatic lighting effects show they were impressive and expensive monuments. The cult of Mithras represented the triumph of good over evil and gave soldiers a sense that there was a purpose to their world and a life after death."
Top image: The Roman altars found at Inveresk, Scotland. Source: Duncan McGlynn / National Museums Scotland
By Gary Manners
References
Bowen, J. 2026. Ancient Roman altars found in Scotland to go on display. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg5n6e7vv82o
Carvajal, G. 2026. Two Altars Found in the Northernmost Known Roman Temple of Mithras in Scotland Redefine the Empire's Presence in Caledonia. Available at: https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2026/02/two-altars-found-in-the-northernmost-known-roman-temple-of-mithras-in-scotland-redefine-the-empires-presence-in-caledonia/
