Roman-Era Venus Statuette Unearthed in England

BBC News reports that an excavation ahead of a construction project in the centre of southwestern England’s city of Gloucester has uncovered a 1,800-year-old figurine thought to depict Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

The statuette was discovered in Gloucestershire at the site of the new £107m development, the Forum.

It is one of many finds at the site dating back to Roman times and is believed to be a depiction of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

Archaeologist Anthony Beechey said: “This has been the most exciting find of my career in archaeology so far.

“The figurine provides a really important tangible link between the people of Gloucester and their past.”

The archaeologists believe the 17cm-high figurine would have been worshipped as a religious icon.

Andrew Armstrong, city archaeologist at Gloucester City Council, said: “This figurine is in incredibly good condition and a wonderful find for Gloucester.

“We know pieces like these were made in central France and the Rhineland/Mosel region of Germany during the first and second centuries.

“It seems certain the figurine is from this period and is a representation of Venus. She would most likely have stood in someone’s home shrine for the goddess.”

Lead archaeologist Marino Cardelli described the find as of “inestimable historical value… a testimony of the city’s history and culture”.

The development of the Forum is the largest regeneration project Gloucestershire has seen for a generation and will create a new social and digital quarter.

The statuette was excavated alongside evidence of the city’s ancient heritage, including the stone foundations of a number of buildings that may have formed part of a large Roman suburb outside the city walls.

Councillor Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “The Forum site is truly proving a treasure trove of archaeological finds which give us a fascinating insight into how Gloucester has changed over time.

“By bringing forward a development to shape the city as a future-ready digital hub, we are also illuminating its long and intriguing history.”