More information : NZ 1106 6745. Mithraeum [GSC] (site of) (1)
The mithraeum is situated at the junction of two former hedges, one running from Rudchester Farm yard to a point on the March Burn 180 yards south of the road; and the other from the south end of the present western plantation past the spring (see plan). The line of the former can still be determined partly as a bank, and partly as demarcation between rig and furrow ploughing. Excavation between May and August 1953 showed the mithraeum to consist of two building phases. The first orientatad NW-SE, had an overall length of 60 ft, with a segmental apse at the west end, and narthex at the entrance. It was built in the early third century over an earlier, unidentified stone structure apparently of Antonine date. Rebuilding took place towards the end of the century, and the new temple, identical in plan with the first except for the narthex, incorporated two centurial stones from the Vallum, one inscribed 7 iv.v. It was short lived, and was probably finally desecrated early in the 4th century. Four altars were recovered during the excavation additional to five previously found in the vicinity in August 1844. Only four of the total are inscribed. (2)
There are no surface remains. The site, falls in a pasture field between two areas of rig and furrow ploughing. Finds are now in the Newcastle Museum of Romano-British Antiquities. (3)
The four altars found in 1844 are nos 1395-8 inclusive. Full details are given. (4)
The Mithraeum is recorded as NZ 16 NW 94.
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