A couple from Merseyside, Jim and Dilys Quinlan, have made an extraordinary archaeological discovery at the Vindolanda fort, located near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, England. After years of volunteering in excavations, the duo uncovered a rare sandstone carving depicting the Roman goddess Victoria while digging near the remnants of former infantry barracks. The artifact, identified by the Vindolanda Trust, is believed to represent the goddess of victory, a deity deeply revered by the ancient Romans, especially in times of military conflict.
The sandstone relief was found in a pile of rubble, and the Vindolanda Trust noted that it is likely part of a larger piece that may have originally been brightly painted. Barbara Birley, curator of the Vindolanda Trust, suggested that traces of the original pigments might still be present, though the artifact is currently being stored unwashed for further analysis. This raises intriguing questions about the artistic and cultural practices of the Roman settlers in Britain, who were known to employ vivid colors in their carvings and sculptures.
The discovery of Victoria’s relief at Vindolanda is historically significant as it underscores the cultural and symbolic importance of Roman presence in the region. The fort, which dates back to the 1st century A.D., was built to protect the northern border of the Roman province of Brittania from the Picts of southern Scotland. The relief, found near the site of an ornamental arch and gate, is considered a poignant representation of the end of a period of conflict and the establishment of Roman authority in the area.
Victoria, the Roman counterpart of the Greek goddess Nike, was a symbol of military triumph and was often associated with the Roman legions. The Vindolanda Trust’s director, Andrew Birley, emphasized the cultural grandeur of Roman forts, which were not merely military installations but also centers of symbolic and artistic expression. He noted that such artifacts provide valuable insights into the daily lives and beliefs of the soldiers stationed in Britain, who were part of a larger Roman empire with a profound influence on the region’s history.
The artifact is scheduled to go on display at the Vindolanda museum next year, offering the public a glimpse into the Roman era’s artistry and cultural impact. This discovery also places Vindolanda at the forefront of recent Roman-era find, contributing to a broader trend of uncovering ancient artifacts that shed light on the Roman presence in Britain. As the Vindolanda Trust continues its excavations, the site remains a focal point for understanding the intersection of Roman and British history in the region.