Hello everyone, Alex Iles here! Today, we’re taking a closer look at four fascinating deities from the Roman pantheon and how they were represented right here on Hadrian’s Wall. We’re diving into the stories of Mercury, Neptune, Oceanus, and Hercules.
Mercury: God of Trade and Communication
Let’s start with Mercury. You see him here in a very classical depiction: winged helmet, staff, and his animal companions. Mercury, originally the Etruscan Turms, became very similar to the Greek Hermes. He was the god of business, trade, messengers, and even thieves! He became known as the god of business, trade, messengers, communication, both divine and magical, through divination, transport, thieves, and even etiquette.
Up here on Hadrian’s Wall, we find depictions of Mercury in civilian settlements and forts. One from Housesteads, for example, shows a slightly older depiction, but still with his key attributes. And then, there’s my favorite: a rough, almost childlike carving from Chester’s.
This carving suggests that people who needed safe travels, or wished for their letters to arrive safely, would create a small altar to Mercury with their own skills.
It’s a reminder that not everyone was a master artist, but their devotion was just as real. It’s a human touch that I absolutely love.
Neptune and Oceanus: Gods of the Seas
Next, we have Neptune and Oceanus, gods of the seas and oceans. Neptune, initially a freshwater deity, evolved into the god of the Mediterranean. Oceanus, adopted from the Greeks, represents the wilder, more dangerous aspects of the sea, particularly the Atlantic. Oceanus was originally depicted as a river that wrapped around the entire world, a saltwater river.
These two altars, dredged from the River Tyne, were dedicated by Emperor Hadrian himself. It wasn’t just a thank you for a safe journey; it was a statement. Hadrian was emulating Alexander the Great, claiming he had reached the edge of the world. Hadrian, coming to northern Britain to construct his wall, was copying Alexander and saying he had come to the end of the known world.
It’s amazing how much history and symbolism can be packed into two simple altars.
Hercules: The Heroic Deity
Finally, we have Hercules, the legendary hero alongside Mars. He was adopted from the Greeks and became a powerful deity in Roman culture. You see him here with his iconic club. The statues of Hercules are interesting, with his biceps nearly the same size as his thighs, reminiscent of powerful rugby players.
He was popular with emperors like Commodus, who styled himself as Hercules. There’s even a theory that his legends influenced the Germanic god Thor, with Hercules’ club possibly becoming Thor’s hammer.
Hercules was a symbol of strength and heroism, relatable to the soldiers on Hadrian’s Wall.
A Reflection of Life on the Frontier
These four gods – Mercury, Neptune, Oceanus, and Hercules – tell us so much about life on the Roman frontier. They represent trade, travel, the dangers of the sea, and the ideals of strength and heroism. These gods were popular in different ways, with Neptune and Oceanus important for sea travel, and Mercury for trade and communication.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at these fascinating deities. Until next time, stay safe and well!
