The sandstone relief contains no inscription and is not similar to any other items found at the site. This makes it impossible to positively identify the individual in the image.
“The nakedness of the man means he is probably a god, rather than a mere cavalryman,” suggested archaeologist Marta Alberti, who works full-time supervising the ongoing excavations at Vindolanda.
“He is also carrying a spear in his left arm, a common attribute of the god of War – Mars. However, when you look at his head, the two almost circular features could be identified as wings: a common attribute of
– god of travel. Horses and donkeys are also often associated with Mercury as a protector of travelers.”