Pictish-Mithraism, the Religious Purpose of the Pictish Symbol Stones

The Pictish Symbol Stones have intrigued people for centuries. These enigmatic structures appear mainly in the north east of Scotland, but unlike other standing stones, megaliths and the like, these stones have symbols carved into them, which may represent a whole hitherto unknown message. Norman Penny's investigation of the origins of writing, together with his study of the Mithraic statuary in the Museum of London, led him to realise that there is a previously unrecognised connection between Pictish symbols and Mithraism. This discovery of a possible link between the Roman invaders and the Mithraist god leads us on a fascinating journey with an enthusiastic guide, where the reader learns about how the symbols on these unique stones forge links with concealed temples and appear to have been used as a means of communication, bringing together two ancient cultures and an unknown, hidden religion.

Author: Norman J. Penny
Publisher: Austin Macauley
Published: 01/31/2017
Pages: 190
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.42lbs
Size: 7.81h x 5.06w x 0.41d
ISBN: 9781786290236
Audience: 06 - 10

About the Author
A career in the telecoms industry in UK and global roles has been paralleled by volunteer activities in the engineering profession culminating in chairmanship of the Council of the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) from 2006 to 2008. He is currently a Fellowship and Professional Registration Assessor for the IET. In the 1950s he saw the Boar Stone at Knocknagael, a few miles from his home in Inverness - the beginning of the life-long "intrigue" of Pictish Stones. He found that a background in engineering encouraged logical analysis and in management encouraged synthesis - helping to make the connections between the Symbols on the Stones and the Mysteries of Mithras. The author is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, and of the Chartered Management Institute. His research and this discovery are, however, as an "independent researcher."