Volunteers Discover Ancient Shoes at Roman Fort

Recently, volunteers stumbled upon not one but two ancient shoes while working at a historic site in Britain, much to their surprise.

This intriguing find happened in Magna, an old Roman fort located in Northumberland, during late May. The Roman Army Museum, which is situated near Brampton’s Fort, made the announcement.

In photos shared, volunteers can be seen holding beautifully preserved leather shoes, remarkably intact even after lying buried for 2,000 years.

One volunteer, named Jo, was the first to discover a shoe. As the organization noted, it seems the “layers remain intact.”

The shoe’s heel remains attached, and its outer sole still showcases hobnails. Officials explained that this discovery provides valuable insights into the manufacturing of these shoes.

“This gives us a solid look at how Roman shoes were crafted. They’re held together with string and made of multiple layers of leather, including strips and hobnails,” the Roman Army Museum stated.

“These components also strengthen the exterior, making them suitable for walking. Different styles of shoes featured these elements.”

Although lacking toes, it was difficult for authorities to ascertain the shoe’s size, but they noted, “It would have eventually been quite a large shoe.”

The volunteers expressed their excitement over the find, mentioning that it really brought them closer to the Romans who once inhabited the fort.

“It’s always thrilling to uncover something that has remained untouched for over two thousand years. Shoes, in particular, are deeply personal items,” said Joe, another volunteer.

A second shoe was eventually unearthed as well.

This shoe approximates a size 14 in US measurements, which certainly impressed those involved in the dig.

The museum reported feeling a rush of excitement among volunteers and archaeologists alike.

“The discussions overwhelmingly centered around the shoes’ size and who might have worn them,” the organization shared.

“With measurements of around 32 cm, these would likely correspond to modern British sizes 12 to 14, possibly making them the largest in the Vindolanda Trust collection.”

Recently, volunteers have also uncovered ceramic shards, tent pegs, and other unusual artifacts, but the shoes have certainly captured the spotlight.

Magna is located near Hadrian’s Wall, a Roman structure built to safeguard Britannia’s northern borders against the Picts.

This fort dates back to around AD 80 and predates Hadrian’s Wall by several decades.

Interestingly, a nearby fort made international news last month.