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
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Binchester, near Bishop Auckla
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Comments
I think that for a Roman soldier this is likely to be the equivalent of Page 3 in the pocket