Aurelius Lucius, Headhunting, and the Cult of Jupiter Optimus Maximus Tanarus at Chester

Abstract Connecting the altar of Jupiter Optimus Maximus Tanarus and the tombstone of Aurelius Lucius from the Roman fortress of Chester, it will be suggested that there was a distinct and localised religious cult at this Roman fortress promoting the practice and celebration of headhunting. This cult was likely introduced by Gallic soldiers but became an established part of the local micro-pantheon of gods at Chester, explaining both the altar and the depiction of a human head on the tombstone.