Unfortunately not much is known about the Goddess Sulis. Most scholarly accounts agree that she was a Celtic Goddess, although reference to her has only been found at the English city of Bath. Most of what we know of her comes from Roman sources. However, it is believed that the Celts worshipped Sulis before the arrival of the Romans based on Iron Age coins found at the site.
Often during the Roman occupation, many of the water Goddesses were demoted to the status of 'nymph'. However, Sulis was one of the only deities of this type that got to retain their Goddess status and was then conflated with a Roman Goddess, becoming Sulis-Minerva. This gives the impression that her cult must have already been quite large and influential before the Roman invasion.
The city of bath was called 'Aquae Sulis', which literally translates as 'water Sulis', and became an important town in Romano-British culture. However, even in Roman sources it is only named once, so there is a huge gap of knowledge around Sulis and her cult. Unfortunately with Bath still being a major city in the UK there is very little opportunity to do further excavations to see what else remains from the Roman period that may help uncover more about this Goddess. However, she is most known for her healing baths which are a core feature of the city of Bath, and it is pretty much only from this temple that we have any insight into who Sulis was and how she was worshipped.
Often during the Roman occupation, many of the water Goddesses were demoted to the status of 'nymph'. However, Sulis was one of the only deities of this type that got to retain their Goddess status and was then conflated with a Roman Goddess, becoming Sulis-Minerva. This gives the impression that her cult must have already been quite large and influential before the Roman invasion.
The city of bath was called 'Aquae Sulis', which literally translates as 'water Sulis', and became an important town in Romano-British culture. However, even in Roman sources it is only named once, so there is a huge gap of knowledge around Sulis and her cult. Unfortunately with Bath still being a major city in the UK there is very little opportunity to do further excavations to see what else remains from the Roman period that may help uncover more about this Goddess. However, she is most known for her healing baths which are a core feature of the city of Bath, and it is pretty much only from this temple that we have any insight into who Sulis was and how she was worshipped.
Sulis was a Goddess of the healing waters. The waters that flow beneath Bath were reputed to have healing powers, and Romans would come from miles around to visit the springs to help heal various ailments. There are three natural springs in the heart of the city, and their waters rise to the surface at a constant temperature of at least 45C, which is quite unique in the UK, and helps us understand why these waters were held with such importance. Legend has it that Prince Bladud discovered these springs (named The Kings spring, the Hetling, and the Cross spring) when he was cured of leprosy after bathing in hot, muddy waters when he visited the area. He then founded the city of Bath in 863 BC around these springs. Bladud become the 9th King of Briton, and is also said to be the father of King Lear.
Sulis was also believed to be a solar deity based on iconography from her temple and her name itself. However, there is some argument as to whether her name comes from the proto-celtic root suil, related to various Indo-European words for 'Sun', or whether it comes from either the old Irish word for eye or sight. There was also found a pewter vessel dedicated to Sulis with a sun engraved on it, although this was the only offering found with such imagery. The heat of the springs and that being an important factor in their healing can also help us see how Sulis might be connected with the sun through that association, and the sun is often associated with healing energies in general. Whilst there is not much evidence to support the theory that she is associated with the sun, I do believe through my own experience in working with her that she embodies this solar energy.
One of the interesting things about the bath temple was the number of curse tablets they found there. Roughly 130 of these curse tablets - also known by the latin defixiones - were found dating to the Roman period. All but one of them call on Sulis-Minerva, with the other one referring to 'Sulis' alone. These were small metal sheets inscribed with curses (or requests for retribution) and then thrown into the spring. As such, she is also often associated with justice.
Sulis is a deity I have worked with personally, although not one I work with regularly. I urge anyone who is interested in this Goddess to visit Bath itself to connect with her, as it is a very unique experience!
Sulis was also believed to be a solar deity based on iconography from her temple and her name itself. However, there is some argument as to whether her name comes from the proto-celtic root suil, related to various Indo-European words for 'Sun', or whether it comes from either the old Irish word for eye or sight. There was also found a pewter vessel dedicated to Sulis with a sun engraved on it, although this was the only offering found with such imagery. The heat of the springs and that being an important factor in their healing can also help us see how Sulis might be connected with the sun through that association, and the sun is often associated with healing energies in general. Whilst there is not much evidence to support the theory that she is associated with the sun, I do believe through my own experience in working with her that she embodies this solar energy.
One of the interesting things about the bath temple was the number of curse tablets they found there. Roughly 130 of these curse tablets - also known by the latin defixiones - were found dating to the Roman period. All but one of them call on Sulis-Minerva, with the other one referring to 'Sulis' alone. These were small metal sheets inscribed with curses (or requests for retribution) and then thrown into the spring. As such, she is also often associated with justice.
Sulis is a deity I have worked with personally, although not one I work with regularly. I urge anyone who is interested in this Goddess to visit Bath itself to connect with her, as it is a very unique experience!
