Archaeologists in Spain have unexpectedly uncovered traces of a religious cult linked to the Roman Pantheon.

During excavations at Pagus Belsinonensis in the city of Mallen, Spain, archaeologists uncovered a figurine of the Egyptian goddess Isis. This site, located on the hill of El Convento by the river Uecha, once served as a significant stop on the route connecting Tarraco (now Tarragona) with Asturica Augusta (Astorga), writes Heritage Daily.

The figurine was discovered by the Belsinon Project team. The artifact sheds light on the spread of the cult of Isis in the Roman world. Isis, revered for her protective powers, magical abilities, and maternal role, was also associated with healing, fertility, and the divine status of the mother of the pharaoh.

These are not the first artifacts linked to this goddess. Previously in Italy, archaeologists found bull hooves and human ears — rare items that were used as offerings to deities.

By the 1st century BC, the worship of Isis had penetrated the Roman pantheon, and she began to be honored during major festivals such as Navigium Isidis. The presence of the figurine in Pagus Belsinonensis suggests that this cult reached the area by the end of the 1st or the beginning of the 2nd century AD.

A recent study revealed that the figurine is made of terra sigillata hispánica, a type of fine Roman pottery with a red glaze, produced in Tritium Magallum (modern Tricio, La Rioja). Such figurines were typically placed in a lararium — a domestic shrine where Romans made sacrifices to protective deities.

Archaeologist Ángel Santos explained that microscopic analysis was crucial for identifying the figurine as Isis.

"The figurine has white paint depicting the deity’s attire. A detailed analysis revealed the preserved knot of Isis with three dangling strands at the waist," noted Santos.

According to the researchers, this finding provides valuable information about the influence of Eastern religions and the presence of Egyptian cults in the daily life of Roman-era Spain. The discovery not only illuminates cultural exchange within the Roman Empire but also enriches our understanding of ancient religious practices.

We also reported on a discovery in the northwest of England. Archaeologists unearthed a Viking hall, which turned out to be the largest found in Britain.