Carved onto an ancient Roman artifact, a Pictorial depiction from the past reveals a 1,700-year-old antagonism etched in stone, with suggestive imagery included.
In the heart of Northumberland, England, lies the Roman archaeological site of Vindolanda, a treasure trove of information about life in Roman Britain. Recently, a unique find has been unearthed, offering a glimpse into the humour, social norms, and forms of expression of the ancient Romans.
The discovery, made by retired biochemist Dylan Herbert in May, is a stone carving that dates back nearly 2,000 years. The carving, deeply engraved, depicts a crude image of a penis and an insult, seemingly directed at a man named Secundinus.
Dr Andrew Birley, Director of Excavations and CEO of the Vindolanda Trust, commented that the author of the carving had a big problem with Secundinus. This find is believed to have taken place on a fateful night where Secundinus, the shitter, may have fallen out with his graffiti-happy friend.
Vindolanda is renowned for the Vindolanda tablets, postcard-sized wooden leaf tablets inscribed with carbon-based ink dating to the first and second centuries CE. These tablets reveal some surprisingly down-to-earth snippets of everyday life in Roman Britain, including an invitation to a birthday party.
The presence of such carvings at Vindolanda suggests that the site was a vibrant community where people expressed themselves freely. It shows that the Roman military and civilian life included a variety of interactions and social dynamics.
Phallic symbols are commonly found on Roman artifacts and are often perceived as an emblem of good luck or fertility. However, in some cases, they may have been used as a form of advertising, pointing patrons towards the nearest brothel. The specific intent of the carving discovered at Vindolanda remains a matter of speculation.
The discovery of this ancient Roman graffiti adds to the understanding of Roman art and culture. It underscores the importance of preserving historical artifacts to understand the past more fully. This find, while humorous in nature, provides valuable insights into the social and cultural practices of ancient Roman Britain.
If you have more specific details or questions about the carving or Vindolanda, feel free to ask. The stone, with its unique and unexpected nature, continues to intrigue archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike.
- The unique stone carving found at Vindolanda, depicting a crude image and an insult, could be seen as an example of ancient Roman pop-culture, reflecting the entertainment and social dynamics of the time.
- The discovery of this ancient Roman graffiti not only adds to our understanding of the art and culture of the period but also underscores the relationship between science (archaeology) and entertainment, as the carving's humorous nature helps bring ancient history to life in today's pop-culture.
