Mon, 28 Jun 2021 21:01 UTC
Archaeologists search for clues to identify a mystery horseman after carved relief uncovered at Roman Vindolanda, Hadrian's Wall.
A beautifully carved sandstone relief which depicts a naked male figure holding a spear stood in front of a horse/donkey has been uncovered during the annual excavations at the Roman fort of Vindolanda near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. The complete stone measuring 160mm by 315mm would have originally been fitted into a recess.
The stone was uncovered on 20th May, only inches under the topsoil by two Vindolanda volunteers from Newcastle, who have both been making their annual pilgrimage to assist with the excavations for over 15 years. Richie Milor and David Goldwater had been assigned to uncover a flagged floor inside a 4th century building of the ancient fort. They quickly realised the rugged stone that lay face up amongst the larger smooth flag was something special. David noted that "I saw one of the legs of the horse first and then the pointed top of the relief ", Richie said "we are just absolutely elated, very proud to be part of this discovery, it was actually very emotional. Whether you find something or not we love coming to this site, playing our small part in the research that takes place, but finding this made it a very special day indeed."