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Altar to Mysterious Deity Found at Roman Fort

Rossella Lorenzi, Discovery News

The shrine at Vindolanda includes a small feasting room and reveals evidence of animal sacrifice.

"Since the worship of Dolichenus is not exclusively military, it is quite possible that all members of the military community, including non-combatants, may have worshiped at the shrine/temple and enjoyed the feasts held there," the archaeologist said.

As for the success of the walled fort -- it's uncertain how long it may have held off advancing enemies since conflicts in the rest of Europe eventually drew the Romans away from this northern-most reach of the Empire.

The altar stone is one of thousands of artifacts found from excavations at the fort and a settlement at Vindolanda.

Home to Romans from 85 A.D. until about 410 A.D., the fort has revealed the largest early archive of Latin documents (over 1,500 documents known as "Vindolanda tablets") related to military movements.

Other finds include letters home by Roman soldiers, written in ink on wood, asking for warm clothing and socks.

While the excavation continues until mid-September, the archaeologists estimate that it could take more than a decade of work before Vindolanda reveals all of its treasures.

Related Links:

Rossella Lorenzi's Blog: Archaeorama

The Vindolanda Trust

HowStuffWorks.com: Geography of Rome