Cocidius
Cocidius was a revered deity worshipped in northern Britain, particularly in the vicinity of Hadrian’s Wall.
The Romans, encountering Cocidius in northern Britain, drew comparisons to two of their own deities. Mars, the god of war, resonated with Cocidius’s potential protective nature. Silvanus, the god of woods and wilds, aligned with Cocidius’s association with the untamed north. This dual interpretation suggests Cocidius held a complex role, likely encompassing both martial prowess and a connection to the untamed landscape. Similar to Belatucadrus, evidence points to worship by both lower-ranked Roman soldiers stationed along Hadrian’s Wall and the native Britons, for whom Cocidius was likely a significant tribal deity.
Cocidius’ presence is well-documented throughout the Hadrian’s Wall corridor. At least nine depictions of the deity have been identified, with an additional twenty-five or so inscriptions dedicated in his honor. These dedications are concentrated along the western sector of the Wall, hinting at a particularly strong following in that region. Perhaps the most striking representation is a bas-relief carving at Yardhope. Here, on a vertical rock face guarding the entrance to a small shrine, Cocidius stands brandishing a spear and shield, a powerful image that underscores his potential role as a protector.
