BBC News reports the discovery of a 2000-year-old carving near Chesters Fort on Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland (pictured right).Supposedly this 40cm carving depicts a figure holding a shield in one hand and spear or sword in the other. We can all see that, right? No, hang on, I think I've pasted the image upside-down or something.
Furthermore, it is thought to represent Cocidius, a Romano-British warrior god. This is at best a guess, I would suggest, based on the many DEO COCIDIO inscriptions on Roman altars along Hadrian's Wall; this Cocidius dude was obviously a popular deity amongst the rain-lashed Latino soldiers, so naturally any carved figures are likely to be of him. Hmm.
The BBC reports that "experts [which experts?] say the find is exciting as it helps shed light on how people used local idols for protection. " I'm not sure how it does myself, but then I'm no expert. I think the more practical way that the Romans protected themselves is by building a bloody great wall!
The BBC adds that "Rock art expert Tertia Barnett [at least she's named] said: "This is a completely unexpected discovery. " No it isn't Tertia; this is Hadrian's wall. You can't throw a cheese sandwich up there without it landing on an artifact from the Roman occupation. A completely unexpected discovery would be if you'd unearthed a Mayan codex, a didgeridoo, or Chairman Mao's flip-flops.
Still, "The carving was uncovered by a team of volunteers looking for prehistoric rock art" so that was lucky. Imagine the dissapointment if it had been uncovered by a team looking for Saxon gold hordes.
If you want to see this carving for yourself and make your own mind up, then I'll save you the train-fare. According to the BBC "The rock has now been covered again to protect it."
For the full story on the BBC website see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/4796736.stm
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