Altars dedicated to Roman god Jupiter, classical temples intrigue Maryport archaeologists

Altars dedicated to gods, one of the oldest temples of its era ever discovered, a mystery monument and the disparities between domestic and ritual habits in Roman times will be foremost in the minds of archaeologists in Cumbria between now and next summer, with a fourth season of work next to the Senhouse Roman Museum – the scene of a largely unexplored Roman fort and settlement – yielding an intriguing range of fresh discoveries.

Experts and enthusiasts have spent six weeks on the Maryport Roman Temples project. Buoyed by the excavation of a rectangular classical temple last year, the team returned to the area it was found in, uncovering a large stone circular structure, evidence for an open gathering area and the foundations for a large monument.

“The rectangular temple is the most north-westerly classical temple in the Roman world to be discovered so far and dates from the 2nd century,” said Professor Ian Haynes, of Newcastle University, who led the dig.

“Both this and the circular structure were originally located by local bank manager and amateur archaeologist Joseph Robinson.

“Photographs and other documents from the 1880s indicate that only part of this area was excavated and much remains to be discovered.

“From this year’s excavation we have evidence for an open area in front of the classical temple and the foundations of a substantial monument, which probably supported a free-standing column.

“A further important discovery was the location of an entrance to the circular structure, indicating that it shared the same alignment as the rectangular temple.

“The finds also show this area, which is to the east of the settlement and north east of the fort, was used in a different way to the main settlement area.

“The contrast with domestic areas is pronounced and reflects the ritual character of this area.”

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