Minerva's Shrine, Chester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minerva's Shrine |
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Minerva's Shrine
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| Location | Edgar's Field, Handbridge, Chester, England |
| OS grid reference | SJ 406 656 |
| Built | 2nd century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 28 July 1955 |
| Reference no. | 1375783 |
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Minerva's Shrine is a very old carving in a rock face located in Edgar's Field, Handbridge, Chester, England. It's a special place dedicated to Minerva, a powerful Roman goddess. This shrine is incredibly unique because it's the only one of its kind in Western Europe that's still in its original spot! It was carved way back in the early 2nd century, which means it's almost 2,000 years old.
The shrine is protected by a stone structure built in the 1800s. This structure was updated in the late 1900s. Over many centuries, the carving has become worn down by weather. It has also been damaged by people.
What is Minerva's Shrine?
Minerva's Shrine is carved right into a sandstone quarry wall. A quarry is a place where stone is dug out of the ground. This particular quarry was used by the Romans. The shrine is located next to an old main Roman road. This road led into the Roman fortress of Deva from the south. Deva is what the Romans called Chester.
The shrine is officially recognized as a Grade I listed building. This means it's a very important historical site. The Roman quarry, along with Edgar's Field and the carving of Minerva, is also a Scheduled Monument. This gives it special protection.
Who was Minerva?
Minerva was a very important Roman goddess. She was known as the goddess of war, wisdom, and craftsmanship. In art, she is often shown wearing a helmet and carrying a shield and spear. However, at this shrine, she is shown in a simpler way. She appears to be standing inside a small temple.
Edgar's Cave
Next to the shrine, there is an opening in the rock face. This opening is known as Edgar's Cave. It might have been a natural crack in the rock that was made larger.
A Cast of the Shrine
If you want to see a copy of the shrine up close, there is a cast of it. A cast is a perfect copy made from a mold. This cast is kept at the Grosvenor Museum in Chester.
