What's happened
A sandstone relief depicting the winged goddess of victory was found at Vindolanda, a Roman fort near Hadrian's Wall, by veteran volunteers Jim and Dilys Quinlan. The discovery, made on May 1, 2025, is believed to symbolize the end of an ancient Roman war and will be displayed in 2026.
What's behind the headline?
Significance of the Discovery
- The relief represents a rare find, highlighting the grandeur of Roman forts beyond their utilitarian purposes.
- It symbolizes the cultural and religious practices of Roman soldiers, particularly the reverence for Victory, known as Victoria.
- The Quinlans' long-term commitment to the site underscores the importance of volunteer contributions in archaeology.
Cultural Context
- The relief likely adorned a larger structure, indicating the artistic and symbolic complexity of Roman military architecture.
- The timing of the relief's creation, post-Severan wars, suggests a period of reflection and celebration of military success.
Future Implications
- The ongoing analysis of the relief may reveal traces of original pigments, enhancing our understanding of Roman artistic practices.
- The public display in 2026 will likely increase interest in Roman history and archaeology, drawing more visitors to Vindolanda.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the relief was discovered by Jim and Dilys Quinlan, who have dedicated 21 years to volunteering at Vindolanda. Dr. Andrew Birley, director of excavations, expressed excitement over the find, stating, 'For our volunteers to find things like this is just simply beyond wonderful.' The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting the relief's significance in illustrating the grandeur of Roman forts, which were not merely functional but also rich in symbolism. The Quinlans' experience reflects a broader trend of public engagement in archaeology, as highlighted by Birley, who mentioned the overwhelming interest in volunteer opportunities at the site.
How we got here
The Vindolanda site, active since Roman occupation from 85 AD to 370 AD, has been a focal point for archaeological excavations. The recent discovery adds to the site's rich history, showcasing the cultural significance of Roman military life.
Go deeper
- What does the relief symbolize in Roman culture?
- How does this find impact our understanding of Roman history?
- What other discoveries have been made at Vindolanda?
Common question
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What is the significance of the newly discovered Roman victory relief?
A recent discovery at Vindolanda, a Roman fort near Hadrian's Wall, has unveiled a sandstone relief depicting the winged goddess of victory. This find not only enriches our understanding of Roman history but also raises questions about the cultural and military significance of such artifacts. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this remarkable discovery.
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Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall in northern England, which it originally pre-dated. Archaeological excavations of the site show it was under Roman occupation from roughly 85 AD to 370 AD.
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