The sandstone relief depicts a genius - a guardian spirit believed by the Romans to protect people, households and places
A remarkably well-preserved Roman carving of a protective spirit has been uncovered near Hadrian's Wall in a landmark archaeology discovery.
The statue was unearthed at the ancient fort of Vindolanda, near Hexham, Northumberland, offering a rare glimpse into the religious life of soldiers and families living along Hadrian’s Wall more than 1,600 years ago.
Experts say it is the first example of its kind to be found at Vindolanda, and one of the most significant religious discoveries made there in recent years.
Dr Andrew Birley, director of excavations at Vindolanda, found the 17-inch statue beneath the floor of a fourth-century infantry barracks built over an earlier military structure.
The sculpture is thought to date from the third century AD, and may once have formed part of a domestic shrine.
The figure is shown holding a cornucopia, symbolising abundance and prosperity, and a patera, a shallow ceremonial dish used in ritual offerings.
Dr Birley said the discovery came after he noticed an unusually curved flagstone while excavating the barrack floor.
"Flagstones are everywhere, but this one was sitting slightly on its edge and had a very slight curve," he said, "I gave it a bit of a pull and this beautiful little carving came out perfectly preserved. What a lovely moment."
He described the find as particularly significant, as depictions of a genius are rare in Roman Britain.
The researcher added: "There are not many from Roman Britain, but each one is special because a genius represents a spirit of place. As archaeologists, moments like these are incredibly rare."
Occupied from the late first century until the early fifth century AD, Vindolanda is one of Britain's most important Roman archaeological sites.
Excavations have produced internationally significant discoveries, including the famous Vindolanda writing tablets, leather shoes, jewellery, and everyday objects that have transformed understanding of life on Rome's northern frontier.
The latest discovery also carries personal significance for Dr Birley, whose family has been closely associated with the site for almost a century.
His grandfather, Professor Eric Birley, began excavations there in the 1930s, while his father, Robin Birley, continued decades of pioneering archaeological research.
Dr Birley believes the carving reflects the work of a local craftsman, rather than an artist from one of the Roman Empire's major cities.
He said: "It's not like a classically beautiful sculpture you might find in Rome. It's definitely the work of a local artist, which gives it a real sense of place. That's exactly the kind of connection archaeologists hope to find with the people who actually lived here."
He added that while the Roman garrison changed frequently as troops were posted across the empire, finds such as the genius demonstrate that communities still developed deep spiritual ties to the landscape they temporarily called home.
Excavations at Vindolanda continue each year with professional archaeologists working alongside hundreds of volunteers.
The newly discovered sculpture is now undergoing conservation and detailed analysis before it is placed on public display.
