Altar stone of Rufia Materna - Millingen aan de Rijn

The altar stone of Rufia Materna is a remarkable relic from Roman times, originating from the region around Millingen aan de Rijn. For a long time, it was thought that Rufia Materna was a goddess or priestess because of the inscription “Dea Domina” and that this altar stone was dedicated to her. However, new research by Professor Emily Hemelrijk indicates that this is not the case.

The stone was erected by Rufia's mother, Mucronia Marcia. At the time Mucronia Marcia wrote the text, her husband, son (both named Rufius Similis) and daughter Rufia Materna – probably the last of the three – had died. The term “Dea Domina” refers to the goddess Bona Dea, to whom this altar was dedicated together with the sacred forest.

The inscription on the stone mentions three specific dates: 17 July, the feast day of Bona Dea; 7 October, the birthday of Rufia Materna; and 21 February, the last day of the Parentalia, a Roman holiday in honour of deceased family members.

According to the inscription, an offering had to be made for all three every year. This was done on 21 February. The fact that these commemorations were established shows that Mucronia Marcia was a woman of standing. These kinds of commemorations were probably made possible by a financial fund, which was used to pay for priests, sacrificial animals and other necessities. Mucronia was able to set up this fund and even ensure that these commemorative days continued after her own death.

The stone was embedded in the Antonius van Paduakerk church in Millingen aan de Rijn for centuries. In 1837, it was sold to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden due to financial difficulties. In 2008, a replica of the altar stone was donated to the municipality of Millingen by local construction company Spann-Eerden. In 2019, the same construction company made a pedestal on which the stone could be placed. You can admire it in front of the entrance to Kulturhus Den Ienloop.