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4 weeks ago | [YT] | 201

TopRomanFacts

THE ROMAN GODDESS MINERVA, carved onto a sandstone outcrop on the outskirts of Deva Victrix, modern-day Chester.

The area around this ancient shrine was once a Roman-era sandstone quarry. Now very weathered, the figure of Minerva, holding her iconic shield and spear, is placed within a neat little temple design. On her left shoulder is an owl, a symbol associated with the deity. Local people would have left offerings, such as coins, food, drink, and figurines, to the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and the crafts.

Deva Victrix was a huge legionary fortress for much of Roman Britain. The citizen legionary soldiers who garrisoned the fortress worshipped a wide array of gods, but Minerva was a wise choice for soldiers seeking her protection.

Pagan shrines like this are rare survivals, especially in Britain. Perhaps the reason Minerva has survived, albeit in a weathered condition, is because people misidentified her as the Virgin Mary during the Middle Ages.

The stone frame around the shrine is a more modern addition, intended to prevent further weathering.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 173

TopRomanFacts

What a privilege it was speaking to the students of The Wells and Farnborough Spencer academies in Nottingham about the best subject in the world - archaeology!

I truly believe that anyone can be an archaeologist. All that anyone needs is the right guidance. We discussed the nature of archaeology, practical advice on how to be an archaeologist, and handled real archaeological finds from excavations.

Roman coins featured heavily, and I was amazed at how these tiny discs of metal inspired so much fascination and discussion. We talked about Julia Domna's wig, the god Janus, and the sacrificial duties of the emperor - all from studying Roman coins.

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2 months ago | [YT] | 140

TopRomanFacts

Filming with Oxford Archaeology today for a very exciting project! We're currently micro-excavating a Roman burial urn from near a Roman fort. A lot of videos to come on this project so stay tuned ⚱️

4 months ago | [YT] | 87

TopRomanFacts

PLEASE tell me you're not from the Aventine.

4 months ago | [YT] | 83

TopRomanFacts

Do you prefer earlier (left) or later (right) Roman coins?

I used to only read about the early Roman empire. But the more I study, the more fascinating the later empire is to me. What do you think?

5 months ago | [YT] | 149

TopRomanFacts

Rome should 'own' Syracuse to prevent Carthage from taking it

5 months ago | [YT] | 287

TopRomanFacts

5 months ago | [YT] | 118

TopRomanFacts

Great illustration by the archaeologist Simon James about how paper thin the idea of Romanisation could be.

7 months ago | [YT] | 95

TopRomanFacts

Rate the setup

7 months ago | [YT] | 110