Couple’s Stunning Find of Roman Goddess Victoria at Hadrian’s Wall

A volunteer couple, Jim and Dilys Quinlan, struck archaeological gold at Vindolanda, a Roman fort near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, unearthing a sandstone carving of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. Discovered amid rubble near ancient infantry barracks, this stunning artifact hails from a time when Romans ruled Britain, offering a glimpse into their reverence for triumph in turbulent times.

The carving, likely part of a grander monument, was found at a site steeped in history. Hadrian’s Wall, built in 122 A.D. under Emperor Hadrian, shielded the Roman province of Britannia from northern tribes. The barracks, dating to 213 A.D., stood during the chaotic aftermath of the Severan wars, with the goddess’s image symbolizing hard-won peace. Experts suggest the stone, possibly once vibrantly painted, adorned a grand arch, proclaiming Roman might.

Jim and Dilys, with over two decades of volunteer digs under their belts, beamed with pride beside their find. The Vindolanda Trust hailed the discovery as rare, noting that such well-preserved relics are increasingly scarce. The piece, set for display at the Vindolanda museum in 2026, underscores the grandeur and symbolism that defined Roman forts nearly 2,000 years ago.

This find joins other Roman treasures surfacing across Britain, from jewelry in ditches to gypsum-filled graves, reminding us of the empire’s lasting mark on the Isles.