Having dived into a frenetic catch up session on the archaeology of the Vindolanda site, and re-reading my copy of Vindolanda by a certain Mr Robin Birley...
I found reference to :
The Principia period 1....which was (1977.90) "...
| QUOTE |
| a most unusual and ornate structure which was effectively demolished by the rebuilders. The outline of its plan was recovered in the 1930's, but it was never fully excavated. it looked south , not north, and some of its walls had been faced with a relief embodying the sun-god in his chariot, together with small statues once attached to a background." |
all of which seems to have been lost, apart from a clenched fist at Chesters museum. The other pieces seemingly disappeared from the collection during the second world war.
I find this relief very interesting, from my Mithraic studies perspective, for Mithras is often portrayed as synonymous with the Sun - under the title Sol Invictus.
Did these artifacts ever turn up in the 30 years since the publication of "Vindolanda", was the scene and/or artefacts ever drawn or photographed ?
is there a Mithraeum awaiting discovery and interpretation........hmmmmmmm?
Chris