Couple unearths 'highly revered' Ancient Roman rarity during volunteer dig at tourist site

The sandstone carving was found at Vindolanda, a fort in Northumberland, near Hadrian's Wall. In a May 21 press release, the Vindolanda Trust identified the depiction as Victoria, the goddess of victory in Roman mythology. 

The artifact was uncovered by Jim and Dilys Quinlan, a couple from Merseyside who have volunteered in countless excavations over the past two decades. The pair found the artifact in a pile of rubble near former infantry barracks.

"Victoria was highly revered by the Ancient Romans. During times of war, she was often credited for battlefield success," the statement read.

Hadrian's Wall was built under the Ancient Romans, who successfully invaded Britain in 43 A.D. under Emperor Claudius. Previous attempts by Julius Caesar failed, and the Romans were able to establish long-lasting British settlements in the first century A.D. 

The barracks were built in 213 A.D., which was a "tumultuous time" due to the Severan wars ending shortly earlier, according to the Vindolanda Trust.

"The barracks were once adorned with a large ornamental arch and gate, precisely the location where an inscription may have been present," the statement noted.

"The relief of Victory is poignant, representing the end of the war and the establishment of the fort at the site."

Experts believe that the recently discovered stone was part of a significantly larger work, and may have been painted in vibrant colors.

She added, "We will be working with our specialists to see if any traces of the pigment remain, so for now the relief is being stored unwashed ready for that further analysis." 

In a statement, Vindolanda Trust director of excavations Andrew Birley said that similar finds from Roman Britain are "increasingly rare these days."

"[T]he beautifully carved figure vividly reminds us that Roman forts were not simply utilitarian, they had grandeur and, of course, the symbolism was a vital part of the culture here for the soldiers almost 2,000 years ago," the expert noted.

Due to the vast amount of influence the Ancient Romans had in the British Isles, Roman-era discoveries are not unheard of, to be sure.