Archaeologists make spectacular find at Hadrian’s Wall barracks
Archaeologists who have found an “exquisite” collection of Roman artefacts at Hadrian’s Wall say the discovery is so unique it is like “winning the lottery”.
The cache of weapons unearthed at the site of a cavalry barracks at Vindolanda fort near Hexham, just south of the Border, includes swords, arrow heads and ballista bolts.
While excavating the corner of one of the living rooms at the barracks, a volunteer excavator carefully peeled back the earth and revealed a sword resting in its wooden scabbard.
As the archaeologists excavated further, the shape of a hilt and handle slowly emerged from the soil and it became clear the Romans had left behind a complete sword with a bent tip.
It has led the archaeologists to believe the Romans left the site in a hurry..
Dr Andrew Birley, director of excavations at the site, said the discovery was “quite emotional”.
He said: “You can work as an archaeologist your entire life on Roman military sites and, even at Vindolanda, we never expect to imagine to see such a rare object as this. It felt like the team had won an archaeological lottery.“
The swords are just a fraction of the huge collection of artefacts left behind.