Ancient Roman Victory Goddess Relief Discovered at Vindolanda, Hadrian’s Wall

Amateur archaeologists Jim and Dilys Quinlan, veteran volunteers at the Vindolanda Roman fort near Hadrian's Wall, discovered a finely carved sandstone relief depicting Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, symbolizing the end of an ancient Roman war. The 47 cm tall relief, believed to date around AD 213, was found in reused rubble above infantry barracks constructed after the Severan wars, highlighting the cultural and symbolic significance of Roman forts beyond their military function. Experts believe the relief was once part of a larger monumental arch, possibly painted in vivid colors, and likely framed an inscription celebrating peace and military success. Dr. Andrew Birley, director of excavations, emphasized the rarity and importance of such finds from Roman Britain and praised the dedication of the volunteers. The relief will be displayed publicly at the Vindolanda Museum in early 2026 as part of an exhibition on recent discoveries. The Quinlans' longstanding commitment reflects a deep personal connection to the site and the broader public's enthusiasm for archaeology at Vindolanda.