Roman Shrine, Park, Handbridge, Chester, Cheshire, England, UK - Ancient Roman Civilization on Waymarking.com

In the Park is a Roman shrine to the goddess Minerva. She is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Athena. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, arts and crafts, and (defensive) war.
She is here because the site was once a Roman quarry and Minerva would have been the patron goddess of those working there. In the Roman world, Minerva was the daughter of Jupiter.
One day Jupiter had a headache and his head was split open to relieve the pain. Out jumped Minerva as an adult in armour with her shield and spear.
On the sandstone outcrop towards the centre of the park is the Roman shrine to the goddess Minerva. It is carved into the rock face and is now the only monument of its kind in Western Europe that remains in its original location.
Minerva was the Roman goddess of war, knowledge, learning, craftsmanship and the arts. She would, therefore, have been seen as an important protector of the Romans working in the quarry.
The carving has weathered over time so that the figure of the goddess is now only a faint outline. Also, it has been subject to some pretty harsh treatment over the years. This has included it being accidentally hit by practice rifle shooting during the Second World War, for which it still bears pit marks. It is said that the shrine might only have survived the Middle Ages because it was thought to be an image of the Virgin Mary.
In Roman times Minerva's characteristic war-like clothing; helmet, spear and shield - together with her symbol of an owl would have been very obvious and probably painted. Offerings would have been left at the shrine to gain help and protection possibly on an altar at its base.
Next to the carving is an opening into the rock face. This is possibly a natural fissure that was enlarged after the shrine was cut. It is now known as 'Edgar's Cave'.
With thanks to:- (visit link)

Most Relevant Historical Period: Roman Empire > 27 B.C. Admission Fee: Free Park Opening days/times: Public Area Web Site: [Web Link] Condition: Some remaining traces (ruins) or pieces

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