Gents Mag 1851 part 1 p.153

---

	introduction
	list, 3rd qtr 19th century
	previous page next page
	Gentleman's Magazine 1851 part 1 p.153 accompanied with sculpture, as in the case of the great Mithraic group found at Housesteads. We are disposed to think the fragment shown in the annexed cut may have belonged to a kindred myth, especially as in the representation given by Hodgson there appears upon the pedestal what would seem to have been a serpent entwined round the legs of the bull. This fragment, which was dug up on the site of Cilurnum, is in a fine-grained sandstone, and measures six feet two inches in length. The mythic personages called Deae Matres and Matrones. whose worship was probably introduced from Germany,* figure in the mythology of the Wall. On an altar found at Habitancum, and engraved in Mr. Bruce's volume, they are addressed as Matres Tramarinae, and Mr. Bruce remarks that it appears by another inscription the person who dedicated the altar was a tribune of the Vangiones. We select a fragment of one of these scultures, in which the three figures have been apparently represented as seated in distinct chairs, whereas they are usually placed together on a kind of settle. It was found at Netherby with another example in which the three deities are placed close together, but, as is usual with Roman sculptures in the north of England, Mr. Bruce observes, that the figures have suffered decapitation. At
	* See on this subject papers in vol.i.of the Journal of the Archaeological Association, and in vol.i. of the Collectanea Antiqua, in which is figured a remarkable example found in London.
	next page
	gazetteer links
	-- "Cilurnum" -- Cilurnum
	-- Castra Exploratorum

Lakes Guides menu.

---