Gods with Thunderbolts

One of the Roman Empire’s greatest achievements was religious tolerance, and in Britain the Romans found a world in which Fortuna and Fate ruled the minds of men and women. That world left behind a marvellous legacy of literary and archaeological records, including temples and shrines, altars and votive gifts, curse tablets and inscriptions. In addition to adopting the Gods of Rome, Roman Britain had native cults like that of Cocidius from the northern frontier and exotic imports from Persia and Egypt such as the deities Mithras and Isis. Tensions also rose with the legitimisation of Christianity in the 4th century. This comprehensive study attempts to unravel the wide-ranging beliefs and practices of those living in Roman Britain.