Because of its short occupations of Lowland Scotland, the Roman Empire has left relatively little behind here, especially when compared to other places in Europe.
However, there are a few signs to confirm that this once sprawling civilisation was present here, including the country's various ruined bathhouses, the remains of the Antonine Wall and, of course, the Eagle Rock.
The Eagle Rock, which is located near the site of an old Roman fort dating back to around 140 AD, is perhaps one of the most striking of these.
Check out the Eagle Rock - one of the last remaining signs of Roman occupation in Scotland
The carvings on the Eagle Rock are very worn, but the outline of what could be an eagle can still be seen on the stone.
The oldest surviving record of this site in Scotland dates from 1794, and from this description, it is clear that the figure carved was already quite indistinct.
This read: "A rude sculpture bearing some resemblance to the figure of an eagle, standing upright, with its back to the rock… All traces of that figure are now worn away."
Other interpretations of the figure say it represents the Roman god Mercury, or a Celtic deity.
Theorising about the carving, Atlas Obscura says that above the information placard, visitors can make out some sort of animal with its wings spread out on either side, like an eagle.
Recommended Reading:
- 'Tranquil' loch named one of the best places to see the Northern Lights this week
- The 5000-year-old Neolithic tomb in Scotland that is one of Europe's 'finest'
- Scottish 'fairytale' castle that 'inspired Walt Disney' named among world's best
The eagle was a symbol associated with the Roman Empire and its army, lending further credence to this claim.
The plaque here reads: "The worn carving above has been supposed to be an eagle carved by the Roman garrison of Cramond. Whether it is an eagle or whether it is Roman is uncertain."
The Eagle Rock is free to visit all year-round.
