Archaeologists at Vindolanda revealed a small, jet-black penis pendant, likely from the 4th century AD, illustrating the cultural significance of phallic symbols in Roman Britain. This charm, under an inch long, was commonly worn to ward off evil and foster fertility. Experts note its smooth surface indicates frequent handling for good luck, with Dr. Andrew Birley praising it as a 'wonderful little artefact'. Found during volunteer excavations, the pendant will undergo cleaning and research before public display in 2026, suggesting further archaeological discoveries are forthcoming from this historic site.
This little jet pendant was lost at sometime in the early 4th century when the barrack wall in which it was found was constructed.
Small good luck charms or pendants like these would have been worn by many of the soldiers at places like Vindolanda.
Jet became increasingly common as a material used for jewellery from the early third century onwards, according to Dr Birley.
I have no doubt that this is just the start of many more discoveries to come from Vindolanda this year.
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