Couple Discovers Rare Ancient Roman Artifact During Volunteer Dig at Popular Tourist Site

Archaeological volunteers have made a remarkable discovery near one of Britain's most storied landmarks, unearthing an ancient sandstone carving depicting the Roman goddess Victoria at the historic Vindolanda fort in Northumberland. This significant artifact was identified as Victoria—the embodiment of victory within Roman mythology—according to an announcement from the Vindolanda Trust. The site lies just south of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain.

The artifact was uncovered by Jim and Dilys Quinlan, a couple from Merseyside with over two decades of excavation experience as volunteers. Their find came as they sifted through debris near the remains of infantry barracks, moments immortalized in photographs showing their evident pride. The depiction of Victoria is especially meaningful, as she served as the Roman counterpart to the Greek goddess Nike and was highly revered by soldiers and citizens alike during times of war for bestowing victory and triumph.

“Victoria was highly revered by the Ancient Romans. During times of war, she was often credited for battlefield success,” explained a spokesperson for the Vindolanda Trust, highlighting the historical importance of the goddess in Roman military life. The context of the find adds another layer of intrigue: these barracks date back to 213 A.D., following a period of considerable upheaval as the Severan wars drew to a close. The presence of such a symbol at the barrack’s ornamental entrance underscores the need for hope and resilience among troops stationed at this far-flung frontier of the empire.

Hadrian's Wall itself stands as a testament to the Roman conquest of Britain, which began in earnest in 43 A.D. under Emperor Claudius, after earlier, unsuccessful incursions led by Julius Caesar. The wall, initiated in 122 A.D. under Emperor Hadrian, was designed to shield the province of Britannia from northern tribes such as the Picts, who inhabited what is now southern Scotland. The Vindolanda fort, positioned strategically along this border, was both a military stronghold and a bustling community center for nearly three centuries.

According to the Vindolanda Trust, the location where the carving was found was once adorned with a grand arch and gate, suggesting that this stone could have been part of a larger, ornate structure. Experts believe that the relief of Victoria originally would have been brightly painted, transforming the otherwise rugged garrison into a display of imperial grandeur and Roman religious devotion. Curator Barbara Birley noted, “It is highly likely that this stone would have originally been brightly painted. We will be working with our specialists to see if any traces of pigment remain, so for now the relief is being stored unwashed ready for that further analysis.”

Director of Excavations Andrew Birley emphasized the rarity of such discoveries today, stating, “The beautifully carved figure vividly reminds us that Roman forts were not simply utilitarian—they had grandeur, and symbolism was vital for the culture here for the soldiers almost 2,000 years ago.” The find is also a testament to the dedication of the Quinlans, whose long-standing commitment to the site has now been rewarded with a discovery of national significance.

The ancient depiction of Victoria is slated to go on public display at the Vindolanda museum next year, joining a collection of artifacts that illustrate the profound and lasting influence of Roman civilization across the British Isles. Such finds continue to surface, including recent discoveries of Roman jewelry and unusual burial sites in the region, confirming that the legacy of Rome still lies just below the surface of Britain’s landscapes.