Home Tags Posts tagged with "Archaeological Discovery"
Tag:

Archaeological Discovery

Medieval Art

Discovery of 700-Year-Old Gothic Statue in Spanish Riverbed Sheds Light on Medieval History

by Kim
written by Kim

700-Year-Old Gothic Statue Found in Spanish Riverbed

Discovery

In a remarkable discovery, a fisherman in Galicia, Spain, stumbled upon a rare medieval statue depicting the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus in the Sar River near Santiago de Compostela. Fernando Brey noticed an oddly shaped stone while fishing for trout and realized it was a religious icon.

Identification and Dating

After sending photos to Ana Paula Castor of the local Apatrigal heritage association, the statue was identified as a Gothic-style religious icon. Initial analysis by Castor and Galicia’s Ministry of Culture dated the statue to the 14th century, making it potentially over 700 years old.

Description

The moss-covered statue, sculpted out of granite, weighs approximately 330 pounds. It portrays Mary seated on a throne with her child resting on her lap. Two worn angels sit on her shoulders, holding up her cape. The statue’s base is adorned with four-petaled flowers and acanthus leaves, suggesting it may have once been attached to a wall.

Historical Significance

The statue’s discovery in Conxo, a community near Santiago de Compostela, has sparked speculation that it may have originated from a now-lost church and pilgrimage site. Santiago de Compostela is the final destination on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, and Conxo lies on its outskirts.

Removal and Analysis

Workers removed the statue from the riverbed and transported it to the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago for cleaning and further study. Researchers will analyze the statue to determine its exact age, origins, and historical significance.

Missing Features

Both Mary and Jesus are missing their faces, possibly removed in an attempt to desanctify the icon. The removal of these features suggests the statue may have been the target of religious vandalism.

Cultural and Historical Value

According to Galicia’s regional minister of culture, Román Rodríguez, the statue’s discovery holds immense cultural and historical value. Beyond its artistic merit, the statue offers a glimpse into Galicia’s medieval past and the role of religion in the region.

Uncovering the Story

Researchers aim to uncover the story behind the statue’s creation, abandonment, and rediscovery. They hope to shed light on why it remained undiscovered for so long near the city and what its presence reveals about Santiago de Compostela’s history.

Ongoing Research

The statue’s discovery has ignited excitement among historians and archaeologists. Ongoing research will provide further insights into its origins, significance, and the story of its rediscovery in the Sar River.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Archaeology

2,000-Year-Old Roman Glass Bowl Unearthed in Nijmegen: A Window into Ancient History

by Rosa
written by Rosa

2,000-Year-Old Roman Glass Bowl Unearthed in Nijmegen

Discovery of a Remarkable Artifact

Archaeologists working at an excavation site in the Dutch city of Nijmegen have uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved, 2,000-year-old blue glass bowl. The palm-sized dish was discovered intact, with little to no visible wear, despite centuries spent buried underground.

A Window into Ancient Nijmegen

Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times. The city’s modern name, derived from the Latin “Noviomagus,” meaning “new market,” reflects its strategic location as a hub of trade and military activity.

The discovery of the glass bowl provides valuable insights into the daily lives of the Roman settlers who inhabited Nijmegen. Archaeologists believe that the bowl may have been a prized possession, used for special occasions or as a valuable trading commodity.

Characteristics and Origins of the Bowl

The blue glass bowl is distinguished by its pattern of vertical stripes, created by allowing molten glass to cool and harden over a mold. The blue color is attributed to the presence of metal oxide in the glass mixture.

Experts suggest that the bowl may have been crafted by Roman artisans or carried by traders, given Nijmegen’s status as a center of Roman activity. The bowl’s intricate design and the use of valuable materials indicate that it was a highly prized object.

Excavations at Winkelsteeg

The glass bowl was discovered at the Winkelsteeg site, part of Nijmegen’s business district, during excavations ahead of a planned housing development. Archaeologists have also unearthed other artifacts at the site, including tombs, dishware, and jewelry, shedding light on the settlement’s past inhabitants and their daily routines.

Investigating the Ancient Landscape

In addition to excavating artifacts, researchers at Winkelsteeg are also examining soil samples from an ancient well discovered at the site. This research aims to uncover information about the crops cultivated in the region during Roman times, providing a deeper understanding of the agricultural practices and dietary habits of the ancient community.

Preserving a Piece of History

Archaeologist Pepijn van de Geer believes that the exceptional condition and historical significance of the blue glass bowl warrant its preservation in a museum collection. He emphasizes the bowl’s potential to illuminate the lives of the Roman settlers in Nijmegen and contribute to our understanding of ancient Roman culture and craftsmanship.

A Legacy of Discovery

The discovery of the 2,000-year-old glass bowl in Nijmegen is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Roman society and the importance of archaeological research in uncovering the secrets of the past. This remarkable artifact serves as a tangible link to our shared cultural heritage and provides valuable insights into the lives of our ancestors.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Archaeological Art

Rare Nude Horseman Carving Unearthed at Roman Fort Offers Glimpse into Ancient Beliefs

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

Rare Carving of Nude Horseman Unearthed at Roman Fort

Discovery and Significance

Amateur archaeologists Richie Milor and David Goldwater made a remarkable discovery during annual excavations at Vindolanda, a Roman fort in northern England. They unearthed a rare sandstone carving depicting a nude horseman, the first of its kind found at the site. The carving is believed to date back to the fourth century A.D.

Experts at the Vindolanda Charitable Trust are studying the carving to determine its significance. The lack of inscriptions or identifying marks makes it challenging to identify the figure depicted, but its attributes suggest it may represent either Mercury, the god of travel, or Mars, the god of war.

Attributes and Symbolism

The horseman’s nudity is a key clue in identifying the figure. According to historian Jeffrey M. Hurwit, nudity in ancient Greek and Roman art often symbolized divine or heroic status. The horseman’s spear, a common attribute of Mars, further supports this interpretation. However, the possibility of Mercury is raised by the presence of two circular features on the horseman’s head, which could represent wings, a symbol associated with the god.

Context and Speculation

The discovery of the carving near fourth-century calvary barracks suggests a connection to military deities. Soldiers stationed at Vindolanda may have created their own depiction of Mars or Mercury, or even a deity combining characteristics of both.

Historical Background

Vindolanda, located about a mile south of Hadrian’s Wall, was established as a permanent Roman outpost in the late 80s A.D. It played a crucial role during the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, providing supplies and workers. The fort was occupied by Roman soldiers until 370 A.D., when they withdrew as part of Rome’s departure from Britain.

Archaeological excavations at Vindolanda have yielded numerous notable finds, including wooden tablets with handwritten notes from Roman soldiers, sandals, combs, textiles, swords, arrowheads, ceramics, bronze statues, and even a leather mouse and boxing gloves.

Ongoing Research and Exhibition

The newly discovered horseman carving is a significant addition to Vindolanda’s archaeological treasures. Experts continue to study the carving, seeking to unravel its mysteries and shed light on the beliefs and practices of Roman soldiers stationed at the fort.

The carving will be exhibited at the Vindolanda Museum through September 24, providing visitors with an opportunity to view this rare and enigmatic artifact firsthand.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail