New discovery in Vindolanda: a miniature male penis made of gagate

A penis-shaped gagate pendant with perforated testicles was discovered last week in the famous Roman camp of Vindolanda near Hadrian's Wall. It is a fascinus, a protective amulet against misfortune, affliction and disease. This is the 59th artefact with this symbolism from Vindolanda.

This fascinus is made of gagate, a rare mineral with a very dark black colour. A cord or chain was once threaded through the testicles, and the pendant was probably worn around the neck. In ancient Rome, it had a specific function: it served as a talisman with protective powers against the "evil eye", i.e. the negative energy of envious people or affronts.

Phallic symbols were considered a means of warding off curses and misfortune, and were therefore often used as protective amulets. They were also a symbol of vitality, strength and prosperity. They were often used to decorate important places such as bridges, quarries, mills and even millstones. In homes, door frames were decorated with them.

They were worn not only by children, who were considered to be particularly vulnerable to curses, but also by soldiers whose profession involved high risk and separation from home. The Roman military camp of Vindolanda holds the first place in the number of phallic symbols discovered across all Roman sites in the area. So far, 59 examples have been discovered here - in the form of graffiti, reliefs on walls, around entrance gates, on milestones, but also on toilets and even in officers' buildings.

The newly discovered amulet comes from the northeast quadrant of the fortress, which lies between the military barracks and the eastern moat just outside the stone walls. It was uncovered during excavations in the remains of a 4th century wall. This area is the last unexplored place inside the fortress walls. Archaeologists expect dense settlement remains and traces of soldiers, military personnel and livestock here.

Vindolanda is a site with many interesting finds. For example, archaeologists have discovered the famous Vindolanda tablets - plates with personal letters and military records that offer a unique insight into the lives of soldiers and their families in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Other important discoveries include leather sandals and boots, which have survived due to the specific soil conditions. There is also a range of military equipment, weapons, ceramic vessels and jewellery...

Some of the tablets contain personal messages - for example, the famous letter from Claudia Severy inviting her friendSulpicia Lepidina to celebrate her birthday, which is thought to be the earliest surviving record of a birthday invitation in Britain. A wooden latrine with preserved remains of toilet paper in the form of moss cushions and many other items have also been discovered.

Each of these artefacts forms a mosaic of life on the frontiers of the Roman Empire, where everyday reality clashed with military discipline, religious practices and the ordinary concerns and joys of the people of the time.

Sources: The Vindolanda Trust, vindolanda.com, thehistoryblog.com

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