Period: Roman

Briefing – Roman Interaction with Galicia and the Iberian Peninsula

Hut circles at Castro de Santa Trega

Roman Invasion of Hispania: The Romans’ first significant incursions into the Iberian Peninsula began in 218 BCE during the Second Punic War, when Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general, crossed the Alps and threatened Rome. This prompted Roman intervention to ensure control of their western Mediterranean territories.

Guide – The Roman Period in the British Isles

Emperor Augustus dressed as a deity, parading through ancient Rome

Julius Caesar made the first significant Roman attempt to conquer Britannia in 55 BCE during his campaign in Gaul. He landed on the shores of south-eastern Britain, but his invasions were brief and mostly for reconnaissance. Despite some skirmishes, there was no lasting conquest at this stage.

Rome: The Emperors Claim to Divinity

Emperor Augustus dressed as a deity, parading through ancient Rome

The Emperors Claim to Divinity In Roman religion, the relationship between the emperors and the gods was complex and evolved over time. The concept of divinity in Roman imperial ideology became a central part of the Roman imperial cult and the emperor’s sacred authority. While there wasn’t a formalized concept of a “divine marriage” in …

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Curse tablet addressed to the god Bregneus – Bath

Potentially false altar to Brigantia - R Tomlin

‘To the god Bregneus I give the axe which I have lost from my house, (the house) of Hegemon. […] has stolen, he is not to be permitted sleep or health (until) he has brought it to your temple as we ?arrange. The hammer which I previously lost, it also […] ?I give.’

Altar dedicated to Bregans and the Divinity of the Emperor

Altar dedicated to Bregans and the Divinity of the Emperor

Potentially False Altar to Brigantia – Vindolanda

Potentially false altar to Brigantia - R Tomlin

‘The goddess Brigantia.’

Altar dedicated to Victoria Brigantia – Castleford

To the goddess Victoria Brigantia Aurelius Senopianus dedicated this altar.

Latin Translation – Choosing the meaning of AUG

A symbolic illustration representing the process of determining the meaning of 'AUG' in Roman inscriptions

The term AUG could mean either Augustus, or Augusta. Given that we have inscriptions that give the Goddess Brigantia an appellation of Augusta, how do translators choose between those two options?

Altar dedicated to Nympha Brigantia – Castlesteads?

“This offering to the goddess-nymph Brigantia, which he had vowed for the welfare and safety of our Lord the Invincible Emperor Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Pius Felix Augustus and of his whole Divine House, Marcus Cocceius Nigrinus, procurator of our Emperor and most devoted to his divinity and majesty, gladly, willingly, and deservedly fulfilled.”

Altar dedicated to Jupiter of Doliche, Caelestis Brigantia, and Salus – Corbridge

“To eternal Jupiter of Doliche and to Caelestis Brigantia and to Salus Gaius Julius Apolinaris, centurion of the Sixth Legion, at the command of the god (set this up).”

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