Rare Roman Victory Goddess Relief Discovered Vindolanda Hadrian's Wall

A rare sandstone relief depicting Victoria, the Roman goddess of Victory, was discovered by long-term volunteers Jim and Dilys Quinlan at the Vindolanda Roman fort near Hadrian's Wall. The relief, dating to around 213 CE shortly after the Severan Wars, is believed to have been part of a larger architectural structure such as an ornamental arch or gate celebrating Roman military success and symbolizing the end of conflict and the establishment of new military infrastructure. Archaeologists highlight that such finds are increasingly rare and emphasize the cultural and symbolic importance of Roman forts beyond their military function. The relief, likely brightly painted originally, will undergo further pigment analysis before being displayed at the Vindolanda museum in early 2026. The discovery underscores the significance of symbolism for Roman soldiers nearly two millennia ago and rewards the Quinlans' two decades of dedicated volunteer work at the site. Experts consider the relief a vivid reminder of the grandeur and military pride embodied in Roman frontier settlements.