Amateur Archaeologists Uncover Roman Goddess at Hadrian’s Wall

Quick Smiles:

• Amateur archaeologists uncover a Roman goddess carving at Hadrian’s Wall.
• 21 years of dedication lead to a remarkable find for Dilys and Jim Quinlan.
• The discovery highlights the grandeur and symbolism of Roman forts.

In a delightful turn of events, two dedicated archaeology enthusiasts, Dilys and Jim Quinlan, stumbled upon a significant relic at Vindolanda, a Roman fort near Hadrian’s Wall. Their find, a carved relief of the winged goddess of victory, adds a new chapter to the site’s rich history.

For over two decades, the Quinlans have traveled from Liverpool to participate in the annual excavation season, driven by their passion for uncovering Britain’s past. Despite their professional backgrounds in civics and medicine, they find immense joy in archaeology.

“It’s the best form of relaxation that we know of,” Mrs. Quinlan shared.

“We eat well, sleep well, we’re in good company and there’s always more to learn. What more could you ask for?”

Their perseverance paid off with the discovery of the goddess of victory carving, believed to be part of a larger ornament that once framed an inscription. The relief was found in the infantry barracks, constructed in 213 CE after the Severan wars, a time of significant change for Romans in Britain.

Dr. Andrew Birley, director of excavations at Vindolanda, expressed his excitement about the find.

“Finds like this are increasingly rare these days from Roman Britain, but the beautifully carved figure vividly reminds us that Roman forts were not simply utilitarian, they had grandeur and of course the symbolism was a vital part of the culture here for the soldiers almost 2,000 years ago,” he stated.

The discovery serves as a testament to the grandeur and symbolic importance of Roman forts. Dr. Birley also praised the Quinlans’ dedication, calling it a “just reward for their 21 years of hard work and dedication to this site.”

The allure of archaeology at Vindolanda is undeniable, with Dr. Birley likening the volunteer digging season to “a mini-version of Glastonbury.”

“When we open the applications for [volunteers] to join the excavations, we fill up in about a minute. It’s ridiculous. I feel terrible because we probably get four or five thousand people who want to join us and we can only take five hundred.”

Despite their remarkable find, the Quinlans cherish archaeology as a shared hobby rather than considering a career change. Their story is a wonderful reminder of the joy and fulfillment that comes from pursuing one’s passions, even as a pastime.

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