Significant Discovery at Roman Quarry in Surrey

A significant archaeological discovery was made at the Nescot College site in Surrey, UK, where a Roman-era quarry shaft revealed over 11,400 bone fragments, including 21 human remains and a unique painted dog penis bone. This shaft, used for ritual purposes between the first and second centuries, contained remains of 282 animals, predominantly dogs, suggesting associations with fertility rituals. Ellen Green, a researcher at the University of Reading, highlighted the use of red ochre on the penis bone, a rare find in Romano-British contexts, hinting at its ritual significance. The absence of butchery marks on the bones suggests these animals were not sacrificed for consumption but possibly used in ceremonial offerings. The site's findings contribute to understanding Roman Britain's ritual practices, particularly concerning fertility and cosmological beliefs. This discovery underscores the cultural significance of animal and human remains in ancient rituals, especially in regions like Surrey and Kent, known for their ritual shafts.