Cybele and Attis in Roman Britain

These cults originated in Phrygia (now Turkey) and were the most important of the Eastern Gods
– however they were more popular in civilian than military areas. This is the only eastern cult,
which can be said to have been popular by the ordinary Briton.

Cybele's role was as a mother goddess while Atys was the subsidiary deity. Attis often appears
wearing his Phrygian cap – a soft pointed cap turned forward at the front.

The myth of Cybele tells how she caught Attis being unfaithful to her – he castrated himself and
bled to death. Attis was resurrected.

The priests of this cult had to suffer ritual self-castration in devotion to her service on Cybele’s
natal day, 24 th March.

The shrines of Cybele are called metroons but there is no trace of then anywhere in Britain.

Archaeological Evidence

Corbridge – fragments of an altar

Corbridge - Fragment of a pipeclay statuette of the Eastern goddess Cybele

Gloucester – probable metroon

London – bronze forceps found in the Thames with busts of Cybele and Attis . (Thought to
be used for ritual castration – the forceps stopped the blood).
London - Altar to the Goddess Cybele.

London - Bronze found in Thames of Attis

London - Fragments of figures point towards a temple.

London - Statue of a hunter god - possibly Attis

Whatley (Somerset) – mosaic from a villa depicting Cybele.

Mildenhall – busts of Attis