Roman York

This life-size homage to the Roman God of War is thought to be the best example of a Roman statue ever found in Britain. The god of war was very popular with the Roman army and it's no surprise that it was found in York, with its legionary fortress and garrison of some 5,000 soldiers. Wearing full armour and carrying a sword and shield, the fourth century statue, like all Roman stonework, would have been painted and could well have appeared quite life-like. His feet are missing, it is likely they were left behind when he was pulled from his base. This was done quite carefully as there is no other damage. Perhaps his power still worried those who pulled down the temple. The statue was discovered in 1880 on or beneath Bar Convent, York along with three religious altars. It was donated to the Yorkshire Museum (then the Yorkshire Philosophical Society) by the Mother Superior. The altars were dedicated to Mars, the Mother Goddesses, and Veteris respectively. It was carved "with great dexterity" from local sandstone and may originally have come from the fortress at Eboracum. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

Close up. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

Roman religion infiltrated every aspect of life. Houses had shrines to the household gods, the lares, whose role was to protect the home and bring good fortune to the family. The female spirits carved on this roof fitting were to give added protection. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

Titus Perptuius Aeternus restored a temple to Hercules following its destruction in a fire. This dedication is the only surviving example of the word 'Eboracum' that has been found in the city. Found in High Ousegate, York. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

In this case discovered covering a burial. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

Used for grinding seeds, etc. The grits in the bottom of the bowl helped with this process. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

Altar to the Matres Afrae Italae et Gallae by a river pilot of the Sixth Legion. MAT(RIBVS) AF(RIS) ITA(LIS) GA(LLIS) M(ARCVS) MINV(CIVS) MVDE(NVS) MIL(ES) LEG(IONIS) VI VI(TRICIS) GVBER(NATOR) LEG(IONIS) VI V(OTVM) S(OLVIT) L(AETVS) L(IBENS) M(ERITO) "To the Mother Goddesses of Africa, Italy and Gaul, Marcus Minucius Mudenus, soldier of the Sixth Legion Victorious, pilot of the Sixth Legion willingly, gladly and deservedly fulfilled his vow." (RIB 653) Found in Middlegate, York. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

Imported into York from other regions of the Empire. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

From a Roman house discovered in Toft Green, York. It depicts the four seasons. The figures on it are Summer with a bunch of grapes, Spring with a swallow on her shoulder, Autumn with a rake and Winter with a bare branch. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

Decorated with phalluses - the phallus was a good luck symbol to the ancient Romans. From Trier, Germany. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

From a house in Catterick (Roman: CATARACTONIVM) near York. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

.. of a Blacksmith. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.

Roman religion infiltrated every aspect of life. Houses had shrines to the household gods, the lares, whose role was to protect the home and bring good fortune to the family. The female spirits carved on this roof fitting were to give added protection. In the Yorkshire Museum, York.