In 1953, the researcher Luis Vázquez de Parga found a Roman altar in Ibañeta, some of the first physical proof of the Romanisation of the area. On it, you can see the following words:
Soli […]
n […]
It is speculated that it originally bore the inscription Soli [inv(icto)] or Soli [aug(usto)]. What we do know for sure, is that it related to worshiping the sun.
Curiously, until recently, the people in Luzaide/Valcarlos were still saying ancient prayers worshiping the sun, which were documented by the researchers of the Basque language Jesús María Satrustegi and José Gonzalo Zulaika “Aita Donostia”:
“Adio iruzki saindia, bibar artio”
(Farewell holy sun, until tomorrow).
“O Iruzki saindia, emakiguzu illeko ta biziko argia”
(Oh holy sun, give us the monthly light and the light of life).
