Goddess of Victory Unearthed at Vindolanda: Rare Roman Relief Discovered Near Hadrian’s Wall!
A remarkable piece of Roman history has just been uncovered at Vindolanda, a Roman fort nestled just south of the iconic Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. A rare stone relief depicting Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, was recently found by dedicated volunteers Jim and Dilys Quinlan, who are now in their 21st year of digging at the site.
The beautifully carved sandstone figure, standing about 47cm tall, was unearthed from a layer of rubble laid over the remains of Roman infantry barracks. Experts believe it once formed part of a grander monument, possibly situated beneath an ornamental archway and gate that once adorned the fort, which dates back to around 213 CE. This was a time shortly after the Severan Wars, a period of significant political upheaval in Roman Britain.
Victoria, known in Greek mythology as Nike, was a powerful symbol of divine favour and military success in ancient Rome. Her presence at Vindolanda suggests the monument may have marked a turning point, the end of conflict and the beginning of renewed strength for the garrison.
Photo Credit: The Vindolanda Trust
Dr Andrew Birley, Director of Excavations at the Vindolanda Trust, reflected on the importance of the discovery: “Finds like this are becoming increasingly rare in Roman Britain, but this intricately carved figure reminds us that Roman forts weren’t just functional, they were built with grandeur and symbolism in mind. This sort of imagery would have held deep meaning for the soldiers stationed here nearly 2,000 years ago.”
Curator Barbara Birley added that the relief was almost certainly painted in vibrant colours originally. To preserve any traces of this ancient pigment, the sculpture won’t be washed. “We’ll be working with specialists to investigate whether any remnants of the original paintwork have survived,” she said.
The stone was officially identified as the goddess of Victory by Professor Rob Collins, Head of Archaeology at Newcastle University, who confirmed its historical significance to the military heritage of Rome’s northern frontier.
Vindolanda itself is a fascinating site, located near Hexham and predating Hadrian’s Wall. It was occupied between 85 and 370 CE and remains one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain. It’s famed for the discovery of Roman writing tablets in the 1970s, which offered incredible insight into daily life at the fort.
This latest find will soon be available for all to see, Victoria’s relief is set to go on display in early 2026 at the Vindolanda Museum as part of its “Recent Finds” exhibition. It’s a rare glimpse into the military and cultural life of Roman Britain, and a testament to the enduring power of history waiting just beneath our feet.