This is a pipe-clay figurine of Venus found during archaeological excavations at the Roman fort at Binchester (County Durham). It was probably owned by one of the soldiers stationed at Binchester, or possibly a member of their families. It is a nice demonstration of how even in the north of England remote from Italy, some Classical gods and goddesses were worshipped, often by people who had never seen Rome. The figurine itself was probably made in Gaul and the solider who owned it probably came for a unit raised in Spain or Northern Germany...a reminder of how complex and diverse Roman society could be.
Figurine of Venus
Contributed by David Petts
Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã or the British Museum. The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.
About this object
Click a button to explore other objects in the timeline
- Location
-
Binchester, near Bishop Auckla
- Culture
- Period
- Theme
- Size
- Colour
- Material
View more objects from people in Wear.
Find out more
Podcast
Highlights from the collection
Ö÷²¥´óÐã iD
Ö÷²¥´óÐã navigation
Ö÷²¥´óÐã links
Ö÷²¥´óÐã © 2014 The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Comments
I think that for a Roman soldier this is likely to be the equivalent of Page 3 in the pocket