In a surprising discovery that reveals much about the private lives of ancient Romans, scientists have unearthed a 2,000-year-old wooden dildo. Scientists discovered this unique artifact in the remains of a Roman fort near Vindolanda, near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.
The object has sparked considerable interest and debate among archaeologists and historians.
An Unexpected Discovery
In 1992, during an excavation of a ditch near Vindolanda, researchers first discovered the nearly seven-inch-long phallus-shaped object. Initially, it was thought to be a simple darning tool due to its association with other small tools, shoes, and dress accessories found at the site.
However, a recent study in the journal Antiquity has reevaluated the object’s potential uses, suggesting it may have functioned as a sex toy.
Examining the Evidence
Stone and metal phalli are relatively common finds across the Roman world, often used as symbols of protection against evil or for positive luck. However, the Vindolanda artifact is unique as it is the first known example of a wooden phallus from the Roman period.
Rob Collins, an archaeologist from Newcastle University and co-author of the study, highlights the rarity and potential significance of the wooden phallus. “The size of the phallus and the fact that it was carved from wood raise a number of questions about its use in antiquity,” he noted.
“We cannot be certain of its intended use, in contrast to most other phallic objects that make symbolic use of that shape for a clear function, like a good luck charm.”
The Role of Wooden Objects in Ancient Rome
Wooden objects were commonplace in the ancient world but rarely survived due to their perishable nature. According to Rob Sands from University College Dublin, the preservation conditions at Vindolanda—dark, damp, and oxygen-free deposits—were ideal for the survival of this artifact.
However, such conditions are under threat from climate change and changing water tables, making the discovery even more remarkable.
The artifact could have had multiple uses. According to the study, it might have been a sexual implement. Alternatively, it might have served as a pestle for grinding ingredients or medicine. Another possibility is that it was part of a statue, serving as a good luck charm or to absorb protection from bad luck, a common practice in the Roman Empire.
The Significance of the Discovery
The phallus is currently on display at the Vindolanda museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the private lives of ancient Romans. Barbara Birley, the curator at the Vindolanda Trust, emphasized the importance of this discovery.
“This rediscovery shows the real legacy value of having such an incredible collection of material from one site and being able to reassess that material,” she said.
The Vindolanda phallus may be unique in that it survived this period, but it is unlikely to have been the only one of its kind. The team hopes this finding will encourage further analysis of previously discovered objects to better understand their purposes and the daily lives of people in ancient Rome.
Takeaways
This fascinating find challenges our perceptions of ancient Roman society, reminding us that, in many ways, people of the past were not so different from us. The discovery of the 2,000-year-old wooden dildo at Vindolanda opens new avenues for understanding the complexities of ancient Roman life and their attitudes towards sexuality.
The information is taken from Popular Science and The Guardian
