Figure 25.18: Iron nos 8–24. Scale 1:2.
1. Spearhead (L:410mm, D of socket:26mm Max. W of blade:93mm, L of entry:249mm). Building 1, officer’s quarters, Period 3, N05:05, 196, WSFE19, 2001.1949
Very large spearhead with a leaf-shaped blade, low shoulders and straight edges. A central rib runs down both faces. The split socket is very short in proportion to the blade, and is also very narrow, containing fragments of mineral-replaced wood. Scott 1980, Type 5, 337.
2. Spearhead (L:155mm W:60mm B:10mm). Area over Alley 5, unstratified, G14:03, WSFE143, 2001.2040
Incomplete fragment of spearhead blade with a central rib running down each face. (AC)
3. Spearhead (L:270mm, D of socket:24mm Max. W of blade:63mm, L of entry:132mm). Road/surface (B1), N05:16, 346, WSFE10, 2001.1940
Leaf-shaped spearhead with low shoulders and straight edges. The faces are flat and the socket split. Scott 1980, Type 5, 337.
4. Spearhead (L:255mm, D of socket:18mm, L of entry:140mm). Building 5, Period 1?, G04:20, 534, WSFE12, 2001.1942
Leaf-shaped spearhead with an elongated point, flat faces and a split socket. Scott 1980, Type 9, 339: the largest group of these weapons comes from Chesters and Scott has suggested that, as the blades have no cutting edge, they were used for parade or practice.
5. Spearhead (W(blade):55mm D(socket):23mm). Area over Building 5 and Alley 4, unstratified, H05:01, 311, WSFE337, 2001.2215
Very fragmentary spearhead.
6. Spearhead (L:148mm, D of socket: 20mm). Building 2, contubernium 5, Period 3 or later, M05:11, 300 (duplicate), WSFE47, 2001.1972
Leaf-shaped spearhead with the tip missing. The socket is split.
7. Spearhead (L:130mm, Max. W of blade: 62mm). Building 11, contubernium 3/4, Period 2, L15:18, 1602, WSFE326, 2001.2206
Leaf-shaped spearhead missing top of the blade, with angular low shoulders. Missing much of split socket. Scott 1980, Type 4, 335.
8. Spearhead (L:145mm, D of socket:12mm Max. W of blade:38mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1557, WSFE5, 2001.1936
Short, leaf-shaped spearhead lacking the tip. The faces are flat and the socket split.
9. Spearhead (L:138mm, Max. W of blade:21mm D of socket:18mm). Building 3, east wall, Q07:04, 2449, WSFE2, 2001.1933
Incomplete spearhead with a long narrow blade with no obvious shoulders. The socket is split and contains mineral-replaced wood. The midline of the blade is thick but there is no obvious midrib. Brailsford 1962, Group B; Scott 1980, Type 6, 337; Manning 1985, Group III, 166–7.
10. Spearhead (L(surviving):16mm and 70mm D(socket):15mm). Building 9, contubernium 2, Period 2, E13:41, FE357, 2001.2233
Two non-joining fragments of incomplete leaf-shaped spearhead missing tip. Split socket.
11. Spearhead (L(surviving):100mm: D(socket):15mm W:4mm). Chalet 9, Building W, late third/early fourth century, D13:34, WSFE336, 2001.2214
Incomplete leaf-shaped spearhead.
12. Spearhead (L:133mm B:3mm). Building 8, room 8, Period 2, E10:76, 2407, WSFE146, 2001.2043
Incomplete leaf-shaped spearhead missing tip and most of socket.
13. Conical ferrule (L:122mm, Max.D:25mm). Building AO, south wall robber trench, F08:19, 2391, WSFE221, 2001.2115
Long conical ferrule. See Manning 1985, 141 for a discussion of function.
14 Ferrule (D(max):20mm). Road/surface (B1), N05:16, 322, WSFE253, 2001. 2147
Fragmentary.
15. Spiral ferrule (D(int):22mm B(rod):4mm L:20mm). Building 1, make-up, Period 2, L05:46, WSFE31, 2001.1961
Rectangular-sectioned rod, twisted round three times to form a ferrule for a spear or tool. Iron Age or Roman. (AC)
16. Ring-mail (L:105mm W:105mm B:30mm Loop D:7mm B:1.5mm). Building 1, contubernium 1–4, Period 2, N05:32, 565, WSFE333, 2001.2211
Fragment of a ring-mail shirt, folded over at one end. This is a large piece of ring-mail, which is usually found in smaller fragments. (AC)
17. Ring-mail (D:7mm B:1.5mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), late third/early fourth century, J04:05, 826, WSFE155, 2001.2052
Single loop.
18. Pattern-welded dagger (L:96mm W:46mm B:4mm). Chalet 12, Building AL1, Period 4, M14:39, WSFE358, 2001.2234
Small fragment of a pattern-welded blade, with a single line of herring-bone pattern. Third-century. Cf. Künzing: Bishop and Coulston 2006, 164. (AC)
19. Knife (L:163mm, W:33mm). Building 7, no details, G08:11, 2204, WSFE83, 2001.2002
Incomplete knife with a straight back and a long rectangular-sectioned tang set at the midpoint. The edge also appears to be straight. Manning 1985, Type 15, 115–16.
20. Knife (L:77mm W:24mm B:5mm). Area over Building 11, unstratified, K15:10, WSFE84, 2001.2003
Incomplete knife with a straight back and a rectangular-sectioned tang set at the mid-point.
21. Knife (L:170mm W:40mm B:4mm). Alley 8, H09:16, WSFE20, 2001.1950
Knife with large triangular blade, curving up slightly at the tip. Rectangular cross-sectioned tang.
22. Handle (L:145mm D:12mm W(blade):30mm). Building 18, contubernium 1, floor, Period 3–4, F05:39, 492, WSFE334, 2001.2212
Roughly circular section handle, with terminal created by folding over the end expanding into blade. There is a solid ridge on the outer, vertical edge, but the expanded side is only approximately 1.5mm thick. (AC)
23. AWL (L(overall):72mm L(handle): 54mm D:(max, handle):18mm D:5mm). Building 16, Period 3, L07:10, 2034, WSFE378, 2005.3701
Polished circular-sectioned handle of red deer antler which tapers towards a short circular-sectioned iron rod. The rod tapers to a point, apparently intentionally, and can be identified as an awl. See Manning 1985, 39–41.
24. Paring chisel (L:267mm, W of blade:25mm, D of collar:38mm). Building 4, officer’s quarters, Period 2, F04:25, 559, WSFE15, 2001.1945
Paring chisel of rectangular section tapering slightly to the blade which is chamfered on both faces. The other end bulges before narrowing to fit into a circular iron collar. Possibly there has been a wooden handle with the collar set at the top, slipping down as the handle rotted. Manning 1985, Type 3, fig. 4.
25. Chisel (L:65mm, W of blade:36mm). Chalet 9, post-Roman, G14:13, 1511, WSFE76, 2001.1996
Fragment of a former chisel with a flat blade and a socketed shank set high over the blade. Manning 1985, fig. 4, no. 4. (AC)
26. Chisel (L:91mm D:10mm). Alley 7, K12:23, WSFE28, 2001.1958
Circular-sectioned shank, tapering to a point at one end and to a flat blade at the other. Cf. Manning 1985, pl. 11, no. B43. (AC)
27. Adze-hammer (L:220mm, W of blade:71mm, Socket:22 × 19mm). Chalet 12, Building AG, Period 4, K14:26, 1605, WSFE14, 2001.1944
Complete adze-hammer with a splayed cutting blade set at an angle to the expanded socket and with a very short counter balance. The junction of the blade and oval socket is sharply undercut. The collar is short. See Manning 1985, 17–18 for discussion and parallels.
28. Lift-key (L:174mm, W across head:37mm). Building 14, courtyard, late third/early fourth century, J09:05, 2004, WSFE27, 2001.1957
T-shaped lift-key with a rectangular-sectioned shank which ends in a tightly curled loop. The two teeth taper away from the head. Cf. Manning 1985, fig. 25, no. 1.
29. Lift-key (L:overall of all pieces 114mm W:40mm B:7mm). Building 5, officer’s quarters, Period 2, E04:25, WSFE368, 2001.2244
Incomplete.
30. Lift-key (L:86mm W:11mm B:9mm head W:44mm).
Chalet 9, Building W, late third/early fourth century, D13:34, WSFE377
L-shaped lift-key with a rectangular-sectioned shank which ends in a curled loop. The head has three teeth. Cf. Manning 1985, fig. 25, no. 3. (AC)
31. Slide-key (L:62mm W: 30mm B:(shank):4mm (foot)17mm). Area of Building 4, no details, G04:25, 387, WSFE263, 2001.2155
L-shaped slide-key in poor condition, probably with a straight bit (Manning 1985, Type 2). Drawn from X-ray. (AC)
32. Slide-key (L77mm W:30mm). Building 1, verandah, Period 3, N05:18, 553, WSFE375, 2001.2251
identified from X-ray; now disintegrated. (AC)
33. Lock bolt (L:56mm W:13mm T:6mm). Area over Building 11, unstratified, J15:05, 1496, lost
Rectangular-sectioned tumbler-lock bolt for use with a slide key. The end is countersunk and the body of bolt has four rectangular shaft holes. Such bolts are unusual in iron but common in copper alloy; see above, copper alloy nos 96–7.
34. Padlock (D of ring:84mm, presumed width of box:50mm). Building 11, contubernium 3/4, Period 2, L15:19, 1604, WSFE11, 2001.1941
Padlock consisting of an iron ring and box-lock. It is very corroded and incomplete but X-rays suggest that the box holds three or four levers. Cf. Saalburg: Jacobi 1897, 477, Fig. 76, no. 21; also Herrmann 1969, Abb. 9, no. 2.
35. Shackle (D(internal):50mm W:6mm B:6mm). Building 16, floor, Period 1–2, L07:13, WSFE330, 2001.2208
One arm of a shackle with hinge loop at one end, and an incomplete oval loop at the other. Beyond the loop, the arm ends in a point. The size suggests a wrist shackle. See Manning 1985, figs 22–3. (AC)
36. Chain link (L:45mm W:20mm B:4mm). Building 9, contubernium 1, Period 2, E13:42, WSFE362, 2001.2238
Slightly tapering oval chain link. Square-sectioned. Drawn from X-ray. (AC)
37. Chain link (L:45mm D:25mm B:5mm). Building 11, contubernium 4, Period 1, L15:29, WSFE363, 2001.2239
Two incomplete figure-of-eight chain links. Only one link illustrated.
38. Bell (Surviving L of bell:56mm L of clapper:47mm, Max.W:42mm, Max.T:16mm). Building 5, Period 1?, G04:20, WSFE6, 2001.1937
Incomplete bell of rounded rectangular section with a rectangular handle. Inside, a double-sided clapper, shaped like a double-spiked loop, hangs from a ring.
39. Martingale? (L:34mm). Road 5, D07:28, 2325, WSFE3, 2001.1934
Curved strip of iron with a narrower thinner strip projecting into the inner edge of the curve. Part of a martingale? Cf. copper alloy example from South Shields: Allason-Jones and Miket 1984, no. 3.665–6.
40. Hub linings (D:111mm H:38mm T:3–6mm). Area of Building 4, no details, G04:25, 389, WSFE7, 2001.1938
Two hub linings shaped like collars, one annular, the other penannular. The bands thicken towards one edge. See Manning 1985, 72, H35–8.
41. Clamp (L:160mm W across head:80mm T across head:21mm). Building 1, demolition material, Period 2, N05:04, 198, WSFE8, 2001.1939
T-shaped clamp. The head is curved back from the rectangular-sectioned tapering shank. See Manning 1985, 132.
42. Clamp (L:55mm W:45mm). Building 9, contubernium 4, Period 2, F13:44, WSFE22, 2001.1952
Incomplete T-shaped clamp with slightly curved arms.
43–56. DISC-HEADED STUDS WITH COPPER ALLOY SHEET
Disc-headed iron studs with rectangular shanks. A circular sheet of copper alloy is fixed on top of each head. These have been found at a number of other fort sites in the area.
43. (D:28mm). Building 1, contubernium 1–4, Period 2, N05:32, 561, WSFE351, 2001.2227
44. (D:28mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, K14:01, 1562, WSFE352, 2001.2228
45. (D:27mm). Building 9, contubernium 3, Period 2, F13:50, 1581, WSFE17, 2001.1947
46. (D:27mm). Building 9, contubernium 3, Period 2, F13:50, 1582, WSFE16, 2001.1946
47. (D:25mm). Alley 1, upper layer, M05:12, 355, WSFE353, 2001.2229
48. (D:25mm). Alley 1, upper layer, M05:12, 358, WsCa163, 2001.1203
49. (D:25mm). Area of Alley 5 and Road 9, unstratified, H14:30, 1428, WSCA492, 2001.1532
50. (D:25mm). Chalet 9, Building ET, Period 4, G13:14, 1565, WSFE347, 2001.2223
51. (D:c.25mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), dereliction, E05:04, 251, WSCA491, 2001.1531
52. (D:24mm). Alley 5, post-Roman debris, F14:13, 1120, WSFE344, 2001.2221
53. (D:23mm). Building 9, contubernium 1, Period 2, E13:24, 1140, WSCA488, 2001.1528
54. (D:22mm). Building 1, contubernium 2–4 cleaning, Period 2?, N04:20, 509, WSFE350, 2001.2226
55. (D:21mm). Building 1, demolition/make-up, Period 3, P05:08, 288, WSFE18, 2001.1948
56. (D:20mm). Area over Building 10 and Alley 5, unstratified, E14:01, 1367, WSFE354, 2001.2230
57–60. DISC HEADED STUD WITHOUT COPPER ALLOY SHEET
57. (D:22mm). Building 1, contubernium 5, Period 2, M04:10, 521, WSFE128, 2001.2032
58. (D:20mm). Area over Buildings 4 and 5 and Alley 3, unstratified, G04:21, 786, WSFE154, 2001.2051
59. (D:23mm). Building 1, sub-phase 1 demolition material, Period 2, L04:25, 930, WSFE308, 2001.2191
60. (D:23mm). Building 1, floor, Period 2, M04:09, 525, WSFE343, 2001.2220. With 28mm long incomplete shank, bent into L-shape.
61. Stud (D:45mm, H:33mm). Area over West rampart, unstratified, C09:01, 2224, WSFE332, 2001.2210
Large stud with a convex disc head and a short tapering shank.
62. Stud (D:39mm). Tower 7 demolition material, N04:18, WSFE66, 2001.1987
Large stud with a convex disc head. No surviving shank. (AC)
63. Stud (D of head:17mm H:14mm). Area over Building 13, unstratified, N12:01, 1650, WSFE324, 2001.2204
Stud with a slightly convex disc-head. Only part of the circular sectioned shank remains.
64. Stud (D:14mm H:11mm). Building 14, post hole, fourth century?, H09:34, WSFE373, 2001.2249
Disc-headed stud with a convex face. The shank is square in section.
65. Plate (L:51mm). Building 16, floor, Period 3, L07:10, 2036, WSFE64, 2001.1985
Fragment of iron plate pierced by two disc-headed rivets.
66. Strip (L:113mm. Max. W: 32mm). Building 1, contubernium 1–4, Period 2, P05:17, 533, WSFE13, 2001.1943
Large blade or hinge section of triangular shape. No obvious cutting edge or rivet holes.
67. Strip (L:110mm, W of shank:36mm). Building 16, Period 3, K07:18, 2046, WSFE81, 2001.2000
Wide strip expanding to a T-shape with rounded ends to the arms, both of which are pierced by a square hole (4 × 4 mm). A circular hole is pierced in the centre of the strip at the top and bottom (D:5mm). The arms curve inwards to form a sheath. Manning (1976, nos 198–9) in his discussion of similar items says, ‘bindings of this type were made for a particular purpose and with the loss of the wood to which they were normally attached, their function must remain uncertain’.
68. Double spiked loop (L:86mm W: 41mm). Building 2, contubernium 5, Period 3 or later, M05:11, 300, WSFE21, 2001.1951
Large double spiked loop.
69. Double spiked loop (L:53mm W:22mm B:8mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), Period 3–4, H04:19, WSFE366, 2001.2242
Small example.
70. Curved bar (L:103mm W(max):30mm T(max):17mm). Building 8, room 6, Period 2, F10:15, 2404, WSFE219, 2001.2113
Rectangular-sectioned bar tapering in width and section to a hooked end.
71. Sheet (L:115mm, Max.W:51mm). Chalet 9, post-Roman dereliction, G13:03, 1510, WSFE325, 2001.2205
Sheet with one edge curled over.
72. Escutcheon (L:102mm W:28mm B:7mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, WSFE24, 2001.1954
Incomplete bar expanding towards a D-shaped loop terminal. Possibly escutcheon from a bucket.
73. Escutcheon (L:67mm W:25mm B:5mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), Period 3–4, H04:19, WSFE365, 2001.2241
Incomplete example, pierced by 7mm diameter hole below remains of loop terminal.
74. Strip (L:60mm W(max):21mm T:7mm). Building 3, abandonment/post-Roman dereliction, P07:07, 2624, WSFE216, 2001.2110
Rectangular-sectioned strip snapped off at one end and expanding to the other which is pierced by a large circular hole (D:8mm). Possibly part of a box-hinge (cf. Schönberger 1967, Abb. 7, nos 1–7).
75. Loop (L:78mm B:6mm D(loop):45mm B:5mm). Building Row 20, Building AX(N) south wall, G11:38, WSFE43
loop with square cross-section hanging from spike with circular attachment loop. (AC)
| No. | Site details |
| 32 | Building 1, demolition material, Period 2, N05:04, 81, WSFE292, 2001.2178 |
| 12 | Chalet 12, Building AL2, Period 4, M14:04, 377, WSFE99, 2001.2013 |
| 17 | Building 2, contubernium 8, Period 3 or later, L05:44, 913, WSFE283, 2001.2172 |
| 9 | Area over Buildings 1, 2 and Alley 1, ploughsoil, N05:03, 129, WSFE4, 2001.1935 |
| 6 | Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 610, WSFE130, 2001.2034 |
| 4 | Clay puddling pit, Period 3 demolition, N05:14, 249, WSFE202, 2001.2096 |
76. Hobnails (D of nail heads:6mm). Area over Building 2 and Alley 1, unstratified, M05:01, 1490, WSFE82, 2001.2386
Fragment of leather boot sole with three rows of square-sectioned dome-headed hobnails in position.
Hobnails were found in the following contexts. The number indicates the quantity found.
One or two hobnails were found in a further nine contexts. A total of 92 hobnails were found, with the find-spots well spread over the site indicating casual loss. This limited number of hobnails is also reflected in the remarkably limited number of iron nails found on the site, probably accounted for by the soil conditions which have led to poor preservation of the iron in general.
77. Nail (L:96mm W:7mm T:7mm). Area over Building 13, unstratified, L10:01, 2625, WSFE220, 2001.2114
Nail with square-sectioned shank bent through a right angle with fragments of wood over the sides and end. Of the 207 nails found, the majority had disc heads, with two globular heads and one spatulate. With the exception of two large masonry nails the rest were all of a size suitable for carpentry.
1. Portable shrine (H:75mm, W:36mm). Unstratified, from modern pipe trench, F14:38, 1307, WSL4, 2001.2265. Published: Allason-Jones 1984.
Portable shrine in the form of a cupboard with a rounded back. The two rectangular doors each have projecting spigots at two corners which fit into looped hinges at each front corner of the cupboard. The doors have raised decoration on both faces: on one face lattice work with pellets at the angles is contained in a pellet border, on the other a more complex rib-and-pellet border contains panels of diamond shapes and stylized shells. The pattern over-runs the border at one end of each door. There is no obvious way of fastening the doors.
Above the doors there is a semicircular projecting pediment with a male bust in relief wearing a crown of rays. He is flanked by the whip and wheel symbols of the sun god. This scene is contained within a border of raised pellets between two ribs. A fragment of a hanging loop survives. In the upper section of each hanging edge there is a branch motif in relief.
The cupboard itself contains the figure of a nude male wearing what appears to be a winged head-dress or helmet over his curly hair; a cloak is secured over his right shoulder by a disc brooch. He is holding an unidentifiable object in his right hand and his left hand is splayed. Around his feet are curled the figures of a dolphin and a bridled seahorse. The scene has been made by pressing a lead sheet into a mould, creating a ‘cardboard cut-out’ effect but with shallow relief. The figure is hollow at the back and has been positioned by slotting a tab through a hole in the floor of the cupboard.
The object has the appearance of a portable shrine, copying in miniature the larger domestic shrines discussed by Boon (1983) and, in particular, a wooden shrine from Herculaneum. Smaller shrines in the form of temples with pedimented doors made from stone are also known, such as at Luxembourg (Boon 1983, pl. vi), and Titelberg (Ésperandieu 1913, no. 4193). The pipeclay shrines holding Venus figurines made in the Samian factories of Gaul may also be comparable (Reinach 1921, 131, fig. 64).
There is some difficulty in identifying which deity the shrine is venerating. The cupboard has the symbols of the sun god but the winged helmet and possible purse of the main figure suggest Mercury. The dolphin and the seahorse add further confusion by implying a sea deity. The cupboard and doors are of better workmanship than the figure, which may suggest that the shrines were massproduced, the worshipper asking for the deity of choice whose figure was then slotted into position. If this is so then the attributes shown on the pediment of the cupboard need have no direct relevance to the god venerated inside. However, the bust of the sun god with the whip and wheel symbols may be a reference to Jupiter and thus to Mercury’s role as messenger of the sun god. Amongst his various roles as god of profit, patron of thieves and protector of cattle and herds, Mercury/Hermes was also the patron and protector of travellers and conductor of souls to the Underworld (Lindgren 1980, 38ff). It is possible that the seahorse and dolphin indicate his specific role as protector of those travelling on water or across the River Styx. The seahorse may particularly refer to travellers on the sea as the motif occurs on statuettes or reliefs of Neptune whilst the dolphin is more commonly used in the context of rivers and would appear to have a connection with well worship and in turn with the cult of the dead.
The use of lead is unusual as the lead figurines and reliefs known from Roman Britain are few in number and poor in quality. Two lead openwork reliefs from Gorsium in Hungary have points of similarity with the Wallsend shrine as they each depict a deity standing on a rock in an archway, one representing Venus, the other Minerva, but these appear to be mounts rather than free-standing shrines (Bánki 1972, nos 29, 30). Lead was more commonly used in the production of coffins, tanks and caskets, and the decoration on the doors of the Wallsend shrine is very similar to the motifs used on fourth-century lead coffins (Toller 1977). However, three more exact British parallels are known to the Wallsend shrine. A shrine with a figurine of Minerva was found in a late Roman/early medieval context at Dorchester (Henig 1993a, fig. 72). A cupboard, lacking its doors but with a figure of Venus, was found in the 1984 excavations at Wroxeter macellum from one of a series of pits containing early to mid third-century pottery and a few third- or fourth-century small finds (Lloyd-Morgan 2000, fig. 4.31; 137). The 1976 vicus excavations at Vindolanda also produced a fragment of a door stratified in a floor level of mid to late fourth-century date (Vindolanda Museum Ref. No. 2033). These parallels may suggest that the shrines were more common than might at first be thought and to imply a fourth-century date. They also support the theory that the cupboards were mass-produced and the deity added on request.
On excavation, the shrine was associated with barracks dated to the fourth century (Allason-Jones 1984, 232), which have now been re-dated to the third century. The trench in fact cut through both the Period 2 contubernium 4 of Building 10 and the Alley between the Period 4 chalets AA and Z. (AC)
2. Lamp (L:84mm Max.W:44mm H:22mm). Area over western rampart, unstratified, C11:02, 980, WSL16, 2001.2277
Small lamp or lamp-holder of very angular appearance with a nipped nozzle. Open lamps of this type are common in iron and pottery but less common in lead. For a general discussion of open lamps see Manning 1985, 98–9.
3. Appliqué (L:32mm T:1.5mm). Area over Building 10, unstratified, D14:01, 1468, WSL58, 2001.2319
Lead alloy appliqué in the form of a stylized dolphin.
The eye is a pierced circular hole.
4. Rod (L:100mm T: 8.5mm W:9mm), Building 16, kiln, Periods 1–2, M08:14, 2506, WSL40, 2001.2301
Curved rod of oval section with an oval hole cut through both ends. A deep notch has been cut across the outer face. Handle?
5. Rod(L:32mm Max.D:14mm Min.D:8mm Weight:30gm). Chalet 10, Building X, Period 4, G15:11, 1434, WSL28, 2001.2289
Long rod of cylindrical section tapering to one end.
6. Cramp (L: 46mm). Area over Alley 4, unstratified, E05:01, 133, WSL19, 2001.2280
Lead cramp of the type used for mending pottery. A fourth-century cooking pot from South Shields (MA acc. no. 1956.128.118.A) shows how soft lead was placed across the break on the inner and outer faces of the pot forming a double bridge and forced into holes drilled on either side of the break to join the bridges and keep them in position.
7. Cramp (L: 24mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), Period 3–4, H04:19, 804, WSL20, 2001.2281
Lead pottery cramp of the same type as above.
8. Plug (D:9 × 5mm). Area over Building 1, ploughsoil, Q05:02, 108, WSL23, 2001.2284
Small circular plug.
9. Plug (D:26mm). Building 8, room 1, Period 3, D11:28, 1192, WSL18, 2001.2279
Disc-headed plug.
10. Plug (L:34mm W of head:18mm). Area over Building AO, unstratified, G08:01, 2152, WSL17, 2001.2278
Plug shaped like a nail and made from one sheet of rolled lead with a wedge-shaped head.
11. Plug (L:22mm W:18mm B:13mm). Area over Building 10 and Alley 5, unstratified, E14:01, 1138, WSL82, 2001.2342
Plug with roughly triangular head.
12. Plug (L:50mm W:38mm B:30mm). Building 11, contubernium 4, Period 1, L15:25, WSL123, 2001.2376
Roughly oval plug with a flat base and widening to the top. The remains of an iron ?nail projects from the top.
13. Plug (L:40mm W:35mm B:45mm). Building 11, contubernium 4, Period 1, L15:25, WSL122, 2001.2375 Second example from same context.
14. Block (L:43mm W:25mm H:13mm Weight 70gm). Area over Buildings 4 and 5 and Alley 3, unstratified, G04:01, 148, WSL38, 2001.2299
Lozenge-shaped block with globular ends, flat on the back with a deep convex face.
15. Strip (L:c.420mm). Alley 1, upper layers, M05:12, 357, WSL37, 2001.2298
Long, distorted strip expanding to both ends and pierced by two holes (D:4 × 4mm and 8 × 8mm)
16. Sheet (L: 83mm T: 1mm Hole: 3 × 3mm). Road 8, F08:10, 2277, WSL62, 2001.2323
Fragment of sheet of roughly triangular shape with a square hole punched through near one edge. Traces of a square-headed iron nail survive in the hole.
17. Sheet (L:50mm). Road 8, F08:05, 2255, WSL63, 2001.2324
Oval sheet folded into four.
18. Sheet (L:62mm Max.W:51mm). Building 5, contubernium 1, Period 2, G05:23, 568, WSL32, 2001.2293
Sheet of trapezoidal shape.
19. Ingot (L:69mm W:9mm T:7mm). Area over Building 1, unstratified, L04:01, 730, WSL34, 2001.2295
Rectangular-sectioned strip snapped off at one end. Ingot?
20. Die (L:13mm W:13mm B:13mm). Area over Building 10 and Alley 5, unstratified, F14:01, 1284, WSL5, 2001.2266
Square lead die with incised dots for numerals.
21. Block (D:18.5mm H:8mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), Period 3–4, H04:19, 794, WSL30, 2001.2291
Bun-shaped block. Counter?
22. Weight (D:23mm H:6mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), late third/early fourth century, J04:05, 805, WSL1, 2001.2262
Domed circular weight.
23–35. DISCS
23. (D:30mm T: 4mm). Building 2, contubernium 6, Period 3 or later, L05:34, 890, WSL57, 2001.2318
24. (D:28mm T:6mm Weight:25gm, hole:5mm). Area over Building 10 and intervallum road (Road 6), unstratified, G15:01, 1449, WSL29, 2001.2290
25. (D:26mm T:4.5mm Hole:6mm). Building 8, drain, Period 4, E11:38, 1143, WSL55, 2001.2316. Made in a mould.
26. (D:25mm Hole:5mm T:4mm). Road 3, K13:18, 2076, WSL54, 2001.2315
27. (D:34mm T:7mm). Area of Building 9, no details, E13:27, 1466, WSL3, 2001.2264
28. (L:29mm W:26mm B:2mm D(hole):4mm). Cistern 3, mid-third century, L08:08, 2011, WSL53, 2001.2314. Slightly irregular.
29. (D:24mm T:4mm D(hole):5mm). Area over Building 11 and Alley 6, unstratified, M15:01, 1670, WSL2, 2001.2263
30. (D:28mm T:5mm Hole:5mm Weight:20gm). Rubble over Building 8 and intervallum road (B2), late third/ early fourth century, D11:02, 1081, WSL22, 2001.2283
31. (D: 52mm T: 5mm). Building 3, officer’s quarters, Period 3–4, P08:14, 2545, WSL64, 2001.2325. Rough disc with irregular scratches on both faces.
32. (D:31mm T: 4mm). Area over Building 5 and Alley 3, unstratified, F04:01, 1618, WSL36, 2001.2297
33. (D: 26mm). Building 7, west granary, G09:29, 2270, WSL67, 2001.2328. One convex face.
34. (D:24mm T:2mm). Alley 7, L09:13, 2030, WSL50, 2001.2311. With iron corrosion adhering.
35. (D: 15mm T: 3mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, K14:01, 1324, WSL6, 2001.2267
36. Ring (Ext.D:21mm W:2mm T:3.5mm). Area over Building 10 and Alley 5, unstratified, F14:01, 994, WSL25, 2001.2286
Fragment of a ring of semi-oval section.
1. Pommel (D:32mm H:14mm hole D:7mm). Road 8, F08:10, 2247, WSB83, 2005.3693
Bun-shaped bone dagger pommel with two incised lines around the base. The central hole shows no signs of wear.
2. Pierced plate (L:c.24mm W:c.46mm B:c.7mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1362, lost
Pierced plate decorated with dot and ring. A similar example found in a late fourth-century context at Ravenglass is described as a toggle or buckle (Potter 1979, fig. 27, no. 52). (AC)
3. Ball (H:21mm D:32mm). Area over Building 13, unstratified, N10:01, 1633, WSB2, 2001.662
Bone ball pierced by a 12mm diameter central hole which has a series of small vertical nicks cut around its edge at both ends. One end is further decorated by a frame of incised oblique lines around the hole. The surface of the ball has three bands of four latheturned lines. Dagger pommel?
4. Knob (H:14mm D:15mm). Building 1, contubernia 1–4, sub-phase 1 demolition material, Period 2, N05:32, 563, WSB5, 2001.665
Highly polished, hollow, domed bone knob with a heavily ridged collar. The inner wall shows signs of the knob having been screwed into position. A similar knob from Gross-Gerau is described as having been used as the tip of a dagger pommel (Simon 1965, 38–99, Abb. 7, 7–8). Examples are also known in bronze: e.g. Wiesbaden: ORL B31, Taf. 10, nos 4, 5.
5. Knob (H:16mm D:15mm). Area over North rampart, unstratified, M03:01, 751, WSB3, 2001.663
Highly polished, hollow, onion-shaped bone knob with a heavily ridged collar. As with No. 3 above this shows signs of having been screwed into position.
6. Handle (L:55mm W:18mm T:6.5mm). Chalet 9, post-Roman dereliction, F13:12, 1117, WSB50, 2005.3660
Finely worked and highly polished bone handle of rectangular section tapering to the socketed end. The decoratively shaped terminal is pierced by a 2mm diameter hole. This is a particularly fine piece and may have been the handle from a medical instrument rather than a domestic knife. There are no traces of iron or bronze in the socket.
7. Handle (L:40mm W:17mm T:7mm). Area over Via quintana, unstratified, F12:01, 1027, WSB6, 2001.666
Finely worked and highly polished bone handle of elliptical section with a circular socket. The terminal is pierced by three small holes arranged in a triangle. As with no. 6 above this may have been the handle of a medical instrument.
8. Handle (L:41mm). Tower 7, P04:05, 132, WSB28, 2005.3638
Fragment of a two-piece bone knife handle of elliptical section. The terminal is splayed and the face decorated by groups of incised oblique and horizontal lines. Two bronze rivets have held the two plates together.
9. Handle (L:76mm W:17mm B:14mm). Drain immediately north of forehall, Period 1, L08:38, WSB7, 2001.667
Two-piece bone knife handle decorated with incised diagonal lines held in place by two iron rivets. Remains of iron blade surviving.
10. Handle (L:87mm W:23mm T:17mm). Area over Building 10 and intervallum road (Road 6), unstratified, F15:01, 1059, WSB49, 2005.3659
Two-piece handle of red deer antler with the iron tang and blade of a clasp knife still in situ. Three iron rivets hold the handle in position. The end is rounded and the handle retains the natural curve and exterior surface of the antler. Possibly post-Roman.
11. Handle (L:61mm T:16mm). Building 1, verandah demolition material, Period 3, Q05:25, 255, WSB29, 2005.3639
Tubular antler handle with a smoothed surface and a fragment of the iron knife blade in situ.
12. Toggle (L:61mm W:22mm). Area over Building 11 and Alley 6, unstratified, L15:01, 1400, WSB56, 2005.3666
Fragment of a toggle made from a long bone. The terminal is rounded and the face is decorated with two bands of incised cross hatching enclosed in line borders. There is the remains of a slot on one face. Possible native bridle fitting.
13–25. PINS
13. (L:76mm T:6mm). Area over Building 10 and Alley 5, unstratified, E14:01, 1083, WSB45, 2005.3655
14. (L:77mm D:6mm). Area over Building 11 and Alley 6, unstratified, L15:01, 1413, WSB57, 2005.3667. Highly polished.
15. (L:64mm D:7mm). Chalet 12, Building AM1, mid-third century, M14:46, 1888, WSB18, 2001.678
16. (L:124mm W:6.5mm T:6mm). Building 13, south corridor, Period 2, L11:29, 1839, WSB72. Ovalsectioned.
17. (L:102mm T:4.5mm). Building 1, contubernia 1–4, subphase 1 demolition material, Period 2, N05:32, 562, WSB9, 2001.669
18. (L:83mm). Building Row 20, Building R, late third/ early fourth century, G11:10, 1127, WSB10, 2001.670. Highly polished.
19. (L:47mm W of Head:6.5mm). Post-Roman rubble over Road 9, H14:24, 1244, WSB52, 2005.3662. Incomplete.
20. (L:80mm D of head:5mm). Building 13, over west bath, late third century, L12:02, 1717, WSB69, 2005.3679. Roughly facetted, oval-sectioned shank tapering to both ends.
21. (L:44mm T:3mm) Area over Road 3, unstratified, J13:08, 1361, lost
Incomplete, small bone pin tapering to both ends with a very small flat oval head. The oval-sectioned shank has been roughly shaped.
22. Pin (L:76mm T:4mm L of spigot:16mm). Area over Building 12 and Road 3, unstratified, N14:11, 1689, WSB15, 2001.675
Highly polished bone pin with a tapering, circularsectioned shank decorated with a band of four incised grooves. The head is shaped into a long spigot and probably held a bead of glass or jet; cf. Allason-Jones and Miket 1984, Type G.
23. Pin rough-out (L:42mm T:4.5mm). Via quintana drain, E12:18, 1043, WSB44
Roughly fashioned tapering bone rod.
24. Pin rough-out (L:112mm W:21mm). Building Row 20, levelling north of Buildings Q and R, late third/ fourth century, G11:14, WSB99
Roughly fashioned fragment of long bone.
25. Rod (L:41mm B:45mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, K14:01, 1391, WSB55, 2005.3665
short length of rod tapering to both ends.
26–30. NEEDLES
26. Needle (L:133mm Max.W:7mm). Building 13, room 7, mid-third century, N12:08, 1759, WSB11, 2001.671
Large bone needle with a spatulate head. The rectangular eye has been cut well down the shank. cf. Allason-Jones and Miket 1984, nos 2.263–270.
27. Needle (L:27mm T:3.5mm). Building 16, post hole, Period 1, K07:26, 2047, WSB77, 2005.3687
Pointed head of a needle of circular section with rectangular eye.
28. Needle (L:61mm W:4mm). Area over Building BB, unstratified, N13:01, 1693, WSB66, 2005.3673
Incomplete bone needle of circular section with a blunt head and a rectangular eye.
29. Needle (L:65mm D:4 × 3mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1542, WSB59, 2005.3669. Oval section, snapped across eye.
30. Needle (L:31mm D:3mm). Building 13, backfill of east hypocaust, Period 4, M12:67, 1901, WSB19, 2001.679.
Snapped across eye. Dyed green.
31. Spindlewhorl (D:47mm B:10mm). Building 12, officer’s quarters, Period 1, N14:38, 1887, WSB16, 2001.676
Antler spindlewhorl.
32. Bobbin (L:110mm W:22mm). Chalet 12, AM, Period 4 or later, M14:23, WSB100
Sheep’s metacarpal perforated in the middle for use as a bobbin.
33. Bobbin (L:92mm). Building 5, drain fill, Period 2, E05:38, 552, WSB34, 2005.3644
Sheep’s metacarpal perforated in the middle for use as a bobbin. This is a native implement of Iron Age origin which may have been used only in Britain (Wild 1970b, 34 and 130). They are becoming increasingly common finds on northern forts, e.g. South Shields and Chesters (Allason-Jones and Miket 1984, 2.24) and recent excavations at Corbridge (Bishop and Dore 1989), Housesteads and Piercebridge, so far unpublished.
34. Weaving Comb (L:37mm W:37mm T:9mm). Area over Building 10 and Road 15, unstratified, H15:10, 1437, WSB58, 2005.3668
The oval terminal and part of the shank of a bone weaving comb with a deeply incised X stretching across the width. Although this type of implement is traditionally referred to as a weaving comb there has been a suggestion that they were intended for dressing skins (Roth 1918, 129ff). Hodder and Hedges 1977, Type ShG.
35. Comb (L:142mm L of teeth:11mm W:13mm). Area over Building 8, unstratified, E10:01, 1112, WSB8, 2001.668
Incomplete, single piece bone comb with two rows of fine teeth. The surviving end is plain and rounded.
36–8. DICE
Bone dice, with the numbers indicated by stamped double dot and ring motifs. The numbers on the opposing sides add up to seven. It is difficult to see how Roman dice were used in dice-throwing games as they are rarely pure cubes; no. 36 in particular is shaped so that it invariably lands on six. Although Roman dice are not as noticeably rectangular as the parallelepiped examples from the Scottish Iron Age, the discussions on the use of the latter should be borne in mind: Wheeler (1943, 310–11) suggested that they were used as dominoes whilst O’Riordain (1940, 156) reasoned that the dice were not thrown but placed and covered by one person while the other player guessed the number shown uppermost. These suggestions are among those discussed by Clarke (1970, 214ff).
36. (L:13mm T:10.5mm W:11mm). Building 10, contubernium 2, Period 2, E14:24, 1464, WSB12, 2001.672. Small rectangular die.
37. (L:14mm W:11mm T:13mm). Alley 5, post-Roman debris, F14:13, 1084, WSB46, 2005.3656
38. (L:11mm W:9mm T:9mm). Area over Building 9, unstratified, D13:01, 1137, WSB13, 2001.673
39–55. COUNTERS
Counters made from ungulate long bone are common finds on military and civilian sites in the Hadrian’s Wall area but, unfortunately, few complete sets have survived to suggest whether the game involved was ludus duodecim scriptorum, ludus latrunculorum, or tabula. See MacGregor, A., 1976; Austin 1935; Bell 1960.
39. (D:18mm T:2.5mm). Building 3, contubernium 2, Period 2, N07:15, 2610, WSB90, 2005.3700.
40. (D:18mm T:3mm). Area over Building 10 and Alley 5, unstratified, F14:01, 1095, WSB48, 2005.3658. Very worn bone counter with a central incised dot.
41. (D:23mm T:7mm). Area over Via quintana, unstratified, D12:01, 1030, WSB43, 2005.3653. Central 5mm diameter central hole. The edge of both faces is bevelled.
42. (D:23mm T:3mm). Building 14, room D, Period 1 or 2, J12:31, 2147, WSB81, 2005.3691. Central hole. The edge of the upper face is bevelled with a group of four short vertical scratches. On the reverse a motif has been roughly scratched before the hole was drilled.
43. (D:22mm T:4mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:28, 1547, WSB61, 2005.3671.
44. (D:21mm T:3.5mm). Building 14, room D, Period 1 or 2, J12:31, 2146, WSB80, 2005.3690.
45. (D:19mm T:3mm). Area over Building 10, unstratified, D14:01, 967, WSB40, 2005.3650.
46. (D:19mm T:3mm). Area over Building 13, unstratified, M12:01, 1661, WSB64, 2005.3674.
47. (D:19mm T:3mm). Area over Building 12 and Alley 6, unstratified, J14:01, 1350, WSB54, 2005.3664. The dished face has worn to a perforation.
48. (D:19mm T:2.5mm). Via principalis, E08:14, 2323, WSB84, 2005.3694.
49. (D:18mm T:3mm). Area over Road 8, unstratified, F09:09, 2212, WSB82, 2005.3692.
50. (D:18mm T:2mm). Road 3, F11:19, 1185, WSB51, 2005.3661. LVI is lightly scratched on the reverse.
51. (D:16mm T:3mm). Building 14, room A, Period 2?, H11:04, 2083, WSB78, 2005.3688.
52. (D:24mm T:3.5mm). Building 14, room D, Period 2?, J12:26, 2082, WSB79, 2005.3689. On the reverse the letter M has been firmly scratched.
53. (D:19mm T:1.5mm). Area over Building 14 and Alley 8, unstratified, H10:01, 1949, WSB94, 2005.3704.
54. (D:18mm T:1.5mm). Area over Building 13, unstratified, N12:01, 1642, WSB63, 2005.3673. Very worn. The reverse has four lightly incised oblique strokes.
55. (D:18mm T:3mm). Chalet 12, Building AM2, (mid-) late third century, M14:11, 1857, WSB75. Flat, plain surfaces.
56. Peg (L:28mm T:8mm). Building 5, contubernium 1, Period 2, G05:23, 557, WSB62
Phalanx of a large bird? pierced by a 2mm diameter hole near one end. Part of a musical instrument?
57. Shell (L:26mm T:5mm). Latest surviving Via praetoria surface, K04:04, 893, WSB1, 2001.661
Fragment of a long bone which has been carved to represent a cockle shell. The back has been roughly hollowed and the piece is pierced by a 2mm diameter hole at the ‘hinge’. A similar example from Intercisa has an extra hole pierced at the edge (Vago 1971, pl. LXII). Examples are also known in bronze, eg. Faimingen: Oldenstein 1976, Taf. 57, nos 700–703; and Xanten: Steiner 1911, Taf. XII, No. 16.
58. Ring. Building 13, room 3, Period 2, L11:11, 1705, WSB68
Annular antler ring in three pieces.
59. Antler Ring (D:33mm T:16mm). Building 1, verandah demolition material, Period 3, N05:18, 279, WSB33, 2005.3643
Thick slice cut across a red deer antler tine. The core has been hollowed out but the outer, surface is untouched.
60. Antler implement (L:155mm). Area over Building 1, ploughsoil, Q05:02, 95, WSB24, 2005.3634
Fragment of red deer antler which has been cut to leave the joint between the beam and a tine. The long edge has been carefully sliced down the beam and smoothed with a series of nicks cut across at regular intervals. This appears to be an implement in its own right rather than an off-cut.
61. Antler (L:140mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1543, WSB60, 2005.3670
Curved length of red deer antler pierced by a 17mm diameter hole at one end. This is not a netting needle as the unperforated terminal is thickened and blunt, yet the hole is not large enough to take a hammer shaft.
62. Antler (L:200mm W:29mm T:25mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1410, WSB4, 2001.664
Length of curved antler tine with one rounded and one blunt end, both of which are pierced by a 12mm diameter hole. The blunt end has been shaved to a squared section before the hole was cut. Tent block?
63. Tine (L:207mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1818, WSB22, 2001.682
Very large red deer tine which is untrimmed at the base and has, not been polished. Towards the tip the surface has been trimmed flat and is pierced by a large oval hole across which the tine has broken.
ANTLER AND BONE WASTE
64. (L:72mm). Building 2, north wall, Period 2, M05:06, 415, WSB30, 2005.3640. Smoothed tine of red deer antler which has been sawn.
65. (L:75mm). Area over Via quintana, unstratified, D12:01, 1026, WSB42, 2005.3652. Tine of red deer antler which has been broken at both ends. The surface is worn or worked smooth and there is a series of horizontal nicks around the base.
66. (L:92mm). Rubble over Road 5, D07:10, 2584, WSB89, 2005.3699. Tine of red deer antler tine carefully sawn.
67. (L:175mm). Unstratified, WSB97, 2005.3712. Tine of red deer antler which has been sawn.
68. (L:48mm Max.D:20mm). Building 13, room 8, midthird century, N12:09, 1863, WSB73, 2005.3683. Trimmed point of a red deer tine with the tip sawn off.
69. (L:42mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), late third/early fourth century, G05:18, 482, WSB31, 2005.3641. Fragment of ungulate bone with score marks across the surface.
70. (T:7mm).Area over Building 3 and Alley 2, unstratified, N07:01, 2460, WSB87, 2005.3697. Slice cut across an ungulate long bone.
71. (L:90mm). Post-Roman dereliction over East rampart, Q07:07 or Q08:11, WSB101. End of ungulate long bone with the original surface trimmed away.
72. Building 13, pit in room 7, mid-late fourth century, N12:28, WSB103. Waste ends of an ungulate long bone.
73. Bone plate (L:115mm W:21mm T:7mm). Road 1, phase 2, F07:08, 2396, WSB86, 2005.3696
Figure 25.26: Intaglios. Scale 4:1. Photos by R. Wilkins © Institute of Archaeology, University of Oxford.
Bone plate with hooked ends both pierced by a 6mm diameter circular hole. One face is flat and undecorated with no trace of wear, the other face is convex and decorated by a complex series of incised oblique and vertical lines. A dot-and-ring motif at each end give the terminals a slightly zoomorphic appearance. Both edges are decorated by oblique lines and there are traces of wear between the holes and the lower edge. This piece bears a strong resemblance to the ninth- and tenth-century comb and comb covers discussed by MacGregor (1978, fig. 29); however, the publication of finds from a cave in Settle has produced a further two examples of similar plates. Both are undecorated and smaller in size, and one has polishing along the lower edge. They are likely to come from Victoria Cave, where material dating from the second to fourth centuries has been found, but no certain post-Roman material (Dearne and Lord 1998, fig. 31, nos 117–8).
Descriptions are of the actual gem; left and right would be reversed in a sealing (impression) from which the devices would often have been viewed.
1. Red jasper intaglio (surviving H:18mm surviving W:10mm B:3mm). Building 16, floor, Period 1 construction, L08:28, 2044, WSINT1, 2001.1926
Red jasper intaglio, shape F1. The stone is broken diagonally across. The subject is Dea Roma, helmeted and wearing a chiton, seated in profile to the right (though the corselet on which she was presumably resting was on the missing portion of the gem). She has her right hand to her sword (parazonium), which is envisaged as hanging from a baldric, and in her left hand a little figure of Victory of which only the arm of the image holding out a wreath remains. On the ground beneath Roma is her shield.
The gem should be compared with a cornelian intaglio from a sewer in the fortress of York (Henig 1976, 8, no. 10 = Henig 1978, no. app. 85) and a fragmentary nicolo from a similar drain at Caerleon (Zienkiewicz 1986, 135, no. 42), both of them ascribed on grounds both of stratigraphy and style to the second century. Stylistically the best parallel from Britain is an onyx from Silchester, Hampshire where the goddess holds a patera rather than a victoriola (Henig 1978, no. 249). A tentative first-century dating was given to this stone because it seems the type represents a pre-Hadrianic cult image (Vermeule 1959, 68) but, if so, it is clear that it continued to be a popular image on later gems and the iconography by itself cannot be used as a reliable indication of when it was cut. The patterned treatment of helmet and chiton of Roma on the Wallsend intaglio is typical of Antonine glyptic art (Henig 1988, 149–51).
2. Red jasper intaglio (16mm by 13mm by 3mm). Building 16, occupation, Period 3, K08:33, 2096, WSINT2, 2001.1927
Red jasper intaglio, shape F1. Complete but upper face somewhat worn. The subject is a youth, nude apart from his helmet and cloak (chlamys) in profile to the left, bending his back and raising one leg in order to put on a greave. In front of him is a spear and shield. There is a short ground line.
There is no doubt the intaglio depicts Achilles, the premier Greek hero of the Trojan war, arming himself and preparing for battle after hearing of the death of his friend, Patroclus. Two gems from an auxiliary fort at Loughor, West Glamorgan complete the scene with a column on which was an urn containing the ashes of Petroclus (Henig 1997, 395, nos 1 and 2) while a gem from Melain in France depicts Thetis, provider of Vulcan’s wonderful armour, standing in front of her son (Guiraud 1988, 137, no. 439).
Material and style suggest, again, a second-century date. Images of a youth holding a sword (Theseus) and a youth holding a spear and helmet (Achilles) seem to have been popular at this time and I suggested long ago (Henig 1970) that these types would have had a special significance for the Roman soldier who was himself as the heir to the classical tradition of military prowess; indeed examples of these types from Corbridge and Caerleon are suggestive. Professor Kleinbrink (Maaskant-Kleibrink 1978, 238, no. 608 and see no. 843) rightly attributed the same significance to the image-type represented here, and this surmise is strengthened by the findings of specimens in forts at Loughor and now at Wallsend.
3. Jasper intaglio (14mm by 11.5mm by 2mm). Area over Building 5, unstratified, J05:03, 651, WSINT3, 2001.1928
Mottled red-orange jasper intaglio, Shape F1. Chipped front left side of the gem. The subject is a lion walking to the left. Ground line. Damage to the front of the stone, noted above, makes it impossible to establish whether the animal held an animal head in its jaws. Its boldly patterned mane and the hair on its underside, likewise carefully executed, assign it to the patterned style of the second century.
For the type note Henig 1978, no. 629 (nicolo from Chesters), no. app. 173 (yellow jasper from Wroxeter); Henig 1993b, 206, no. 489 (onyx from a Trajanic/Hadrianic context at Caernarfon [Segontium]): Maaskant-Kleibrink 1986, no. 128 (yellow jasper from River Waal at Nijmegen).
The lion, so familiar from tombstones, was probably a memento mori (see Henig 1977, 3556–7), although it should be recalled Leo was a sign of the zodiac. In any case the image would have been thought to protect the wearer.
4. Cornelian intaglio (14mm by 10mm by 2mm). Rubble over Building 8 and intervallum road (B2), late third/ early fourth century, E12:08, 1186, WSINT4, 2001.1929
Orange with a few dark inclusions. Chipped on left side and some wear on front face.
A goat standing on its hind legs to the left, browses from a palm which grows from a rocky cliff represented by five superimposed stones. Ground line. The style of cutting and the texture of the cutting of the goat’s patterned coat and the tree is typically Antonine.
For the same type as here, see Henig 1978, no. 609 (Caerleon): Philp and Henig 1985, 464, no. 5 (drain in Classis Britannica fort at Dover). Closely related are intaglios which show the goat browsing from deciduous tree (generally no rocky cliff); for example Henig 1978, nos 610–12, especially no. 611 from High House milecastle, Cumbria and 612 from Charterhouse on Mendip: Zienkienwicz 1986, no. 77 from Caerleon. Other intaglios depict goats browsing from trees being watched by herdsmen as Henig 1978, nos 497–502 (no. 498 from Chester; 499 from Newstead): Henig 1980, 179, no. 2 (from Strageath).
The device evokes the prosperity of the countryside. Such themes, which relate to the idealisation of Rome’s traditional rustic roots, are common on gems including gems from military sites. In the practicalities of daily life soldiers were, of course, concerned with prosperity. In addition one is justified in speculating whether the connection was made between the goat and the capricorn, the sign of the zodiac which was also the emblem of Legio II Augusta.
5. Nicolo-glass intaglio (14mm by 11mm (upper face 11mm by 9mm) by 3mm). Area over Building 11, unstratified, K15:01, 1369, WSINT5, 2001.1930
Device moulded rather than cut. Shape F2. Some chemical leaching of glass and underside chipped, but the intaglio is in good condition. The subject is an eagle standing on an altar. The bird stands to the left but looks over its shoulder to the right; it has a wreath in its beak. On either side of the altar is a cornucopia with a legionary standard issuing from the mouth of each.
There are several gemstones depicting an eagle between standards from military sites in Britain (Henig 1978, no. 705 from Hod Hill, no. 706 from Caerleon, no. 708 from Hod Hill and a recent discovery from excavations at Birdoswald). In addition we should note nicolo-glass intaglio from Newstead showing two eagles with a standard between them (Henig 1978, no. app. 187).
Cornucopiae add another element evoking prosperity. In this regard we may note a cornelian from Holditch, Staffordshire showing an eagle and a cornucopia (Henig 1978, no. 694) and another from Caerleon showing and eagle and a cornucopia with a trophy between them (Zienkiewicz 1986, no. 80). Although not from a military context but rather a betrothal ring for a young girl, a gem from a grave at Puckeridge, Hertfordshire depicting three eagles, two of them perched on cornucopiae and a third on a cantharus, all of them associated with the dextrarum iunctio show the power of the symbol (Henig 1978, no. app. 36). Close parallels to the Wallsend intaglio are provided by two gems in Vienna which, like it, show a standard issuing from a cornucopia on either side of an eagle (Zwierlein-Diehl 1991, nos 1932, 1933).
6. Intaglio (L:16mm). Building Row 20, Building T, late third/early fourth century, G11:13, 1207, lost
The site finds book records an intaglio of unknown material depicting Mars standing holding a spear in his left hand and his right hand on a shield resting on the ground. (AC)
Although this is only a small group of gems, it does suggest the range of particular preoccupations of the Roman soldier, his loyalty to Rome (Dea Roma) and to his unit (eagle and standards), his desire to emulate the prowess of the great heroes of the mythical past (Achilles), his need for amulets against sudden death (the lion) and his hopes for prosperity (the goat). Although close dating is not available, the intaglios all fall within a period of about eighty years from the foundation of the fort even if, of course, some were actually lost later.
1. Jet finger ring (Ext. D: 27mm). Area over Building 2 and Alley 1, post-Roman dereliction, M05:04, 107, WSJ4, 2001.2256
Jet finger ring of rectangular section with eight external facets, the largest of which forms the main panel. Comparable rings of third-century date from Cologne have inscriptions on their main panels (Hagen 1937, Taf. 19, Abb.1, A6). See also Allason-Jones 1996b, no. 173.
2. Jet bead (D: 9.5mm H: 6mm). Road 8, F08:05, 2340, WSJ1, 2001.2253
Finely carved small jet melon bead. For discussion see Allason-Jones 1996b, 28. Cf. South Shields: Allason-Jones and Miket 1984, 7.35.
3. Jet bead (D:11.5mm H:8mm). Area over Road 3, unstratified, K13:01, 1770, WSJ7, 2001.2259
Globular jet bead decorated with incised lines top and bottom but with a plain band around the middle.
4. Jet bead (W:31mm H:18mm T:5.5mm). Area over Building 1 and Road 4, unstratified, M04:01, 83, WSJ6, 2001.2258
Jet bead of semi-oval shape with the decoration of incised grooves, both oblique and transverse, confined to the curved edge. Pierced by two circular holes (D:3mm). Similar beads, which appear to have been used mostly as armlet beads, are known wherever Roman jet objects have been found. This example, however, is unusual in its central group of closely grouped incised lines. See Allason-Jones 1996b, 27–8.
5. Shale fragment (W: 4mm D(int): 34mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1394, WSJ2, 2001.2254
Curved fragment of shale, possibly from a pendant or bracelet. The section is damaged but was probably oval.
6. Jet pin or spindle (L:28.5mm D:6.5mm). Building 13, room 7, mid-third century, N12:08, 1760, WSJ8, 2001.2260
Tapering rod of circular section with a blunt head. Pin or spindle?
7. Shale spindlewhorl (D: 35mm). Area over Road 3, unstratified, N13:01, 1655, WSJ5, 2001.2257
Incomplete shale spindlewhorl with an incised marginal line on the surviving face. Three incised concentric circles surround the 5.5mm central hole, the edges of which show wear lines.
8. Cannel coal spindlewhorl (D: 32mm D of hole:6mm). Area over Building 7, unstratified, G10:01, 2069, WSJ3, 2001.2255
Incomplete spindle whorl of cannel coal. The whorl is circular with a flat top and curved sides with a single incised line around the hole and one at the edge. Several incised lines appear to run around the sides but the whorl is cracking along natural planes so some of the lines may be natural.
9. Shale block (L:75mm W:35mm B:30mm). Road 8, F09:58, 2350, WSJ9, 2001.2261
Unworked block of shale.
1. Armlet (W:8mm, T:11mm). Alley 1, dereliction, L05:29, WSG114, 2001.1760
Fragment of an ice-blue translucent armlet with a central cable of mid-blue and white.
2. Armlet (W:11mm T:7mm). Rampart building north of Porta quintana, Period 2–3, C11:04, 1191, WSG20, 2001.1666
Fragment of an opaque, bluey-white armlet of semicircular section. Kilbride-Jones 1938, Type 3A. This is the commonest form of glass bracelet to be found in the Hadrian’s Wall area and had a long period of manufacture from the first to the fourth centuries, being most popular in the first and second centuries. For lists of parallels and dating evidence see Kilbride-Jones 1938 and Allason-Jones and Miket 1984.
3. Armlet (W:9mm, T:13mm). Building 16, floor, Period 1–2, L07:13, 2098, WSG141, 2001.1787
Fragment of an opaque white armlet of triangular section with marvered yellow lines. Kilbride-Jones 1938, Type 3D, dated to the first half of the second century and largely confined to Scotland.
4. Armlet (W:7mm T:5mm). Area over Building 4 and Alley 3, unstratified, H04:01, 618, WSG26, 2001.1672
Fragment of an uncoloured translucent armlet of hemispherical section with a single white opaque marvered line. Kilbride-Jones 1938, Type 3F. On the evidence of the Traprain Lawe examples Kilbride-Jones suggested that the manufacture of Type 3F bracelets may not have started before the beginning of the second century.
5. Armlet (W:13mm T:7mm int. diam.:65mm). Area over Building 11 and Alley 6, unstratified, L15:17, 1504, WSG34, 2001.1680
Fragment of an uncoloured translucent armlet of triangular section with opaque yellow marvering. Kilbride-Jones 1938, Type 3G.
6. Inset (D:11mm H:6mm). Building L, demolition, Period 4, G04:03, 232, WSG152, 2001.1798
Domed, circular, opaque white inset for a finger ring or brooch.
7–10. BUN-SHAPED COUNTERS
7. (D:28mm). Building 3, officer’s quarters, abandonment/ post-Roman, P08:13, 2577, WSG189, 2001.1835. Opaque black.
8. (D:19mm H:6mm). Building 13, post-Roman, M12:33, 1769, WSG31, 2001.1677. Opaque black.
9. (D:15mm). Road associated with north-west shacks (B2), Period 3–4, G05:12, 480, WSG21, 2001.1667. Opaque white.
10. (D:14mm). Area over Tower 2, unstratified, E02:11, 744, WSG155, 2001.1801. Opaque white.
11–13. COUNTERS WITH CONVEX UPPER FACE
11. (D:29mm). Building 14, room C make-up, Period 2?, J12:37, 2208, WSG19, 2001.1665. Opaque dark red.
12. (D:29mm B:6mm). Building 14, crosshall, Period 3, J11:26, WSG196, 2001.1842. Opaque black.
13. (D:25.5mm B:5.5mm). Building 14, crosshall, Period 3, J11:31, 2094, WSG18, 2001.1664. Dark green.
14–16. OPAQUE YELLOW GLASS BEADS
Annular beads of opaque yellow glass. Guido 1978, Class 8, 250 BC to AD 50.
14. (D:9.5mm T:2.5mm). Chalet 12, Building AM2, (mid)late third century, M14:12, 1783, WSG202, 2001.683
15. (D: 10mm T: 4mm). Chalet 9, post-Roman, G13:03, 1238, WSG41, 2001.1687
16. (D: 9mm, T: 3mm). Chalet 9, post-Roman, D12:18, 1058, lost.
17. Bead (D:17mm T:8mm). Chalet 9, post-Roman, G14:16, 1239, WSG143, 2001.1789
Cobalt blue translucent annular bead with white opaque marvered trails. Guido 1978, Group 5A. This type had a long period of popularity, the earliest known examples in England dating to third–fourth centuries BC, and continuing into the sixth and seventh centuries AD (Guido 1978, 62–4, Schedules 128ff).
18. Bead (D:10mm T:4mm). Rubble over Building 8 (B2), late third century, D12:09, 1009, WSG158, 2001.1804
Half an annular dark blue translucent glass bead. Guido 1978, Group 6ivb. Guido suggests that the presence of such beads on a Roman site is usually indicative of a native element. Examples have been found in contexts dating from sixth-fifth centuries BC to the eighth century AD.
19. Bead (D:19mm T:9mm). Area over North rampart, unstratified, M03:01, 767, WSG22, 2001.1668
Large annular bead of an uncoloured greyish translucent glass. The bead is wedge-shaped in section and may have been made from waste glass. Guido 1978, Group 7, 69.
20. Bead (D:16mm T:11mm). Area over Alley 5, unstratified, G14:01, 1060, WSG145, 2001.1791
Half of a large globular translucent blue glass bead. This is a common type, although this example is unusually large, and almost undateable. Guido 1978, 9, Group 7i.
21. Bead (D:9mm T:9mm). Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 666, WSG25, 2001.1671
Globular, pale blue translucent glass bead. Guido 1978, 69, Group 7i.
22. Bead (D:8mm T:8mm). Area over Building 11, unstratified, K15:01, 1342, WSG40, 2001.1686
Globular, uncoloured translucent glass bead. Guido 1978, 69, Group 7ii.
23. Bead (D:6.5mm L:7mm). Area over Building 12 and Via quintana, unstratified, N14:01, 1825, WSG32, 2001.1678
Globular bead of uncoloured translucent glass.
24. Bead (D:8mm T:6mm). Area over Building 2 and Alley 1, unstratified, M05:01, 619, WSG144, 2001.1790
Globular, sky-blue opaque glass bead. Guido 1978, Group 7v, 70; note particularly the comments on dating.
25. Bead (L:4mm T:3mm). Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 613, WSG154, 2001.1800
Fragment of a white glass segmented bead apparently with white metal foil enclosed instead of the more common gold foil. Such beads are usually found in Britain in late contexts and were imported from the Near East and Egypt. See Boon 1966b, Boon 1977, and Guido 1978, 93.
26. Bead (L:4mm). Building 2, contubernium 5, Period 3 or later, M05:11, 272, WSG157, 2001.1803
Fragment of a segmented white glass bead enclosing gold foil. See above.
27. Bead (L:13mm T:6.5mm). Drain in Road 3, G11:07, 2409, WSG29, 2001.1675
Segmented bead of green opaque glass. This type is not as common in the Hadrian’s Wall region as the gold foil type. Guido 1978, 91 ff.
28. Bead (L:5mm D:6mm). Building L, demolition, Period 4, G04:03, 146, WSG27, 2001.1673
Tubular bead of opaque green glass. Examples of this type are known in England from the first century at Santon Downham but did not reach maximum popularity until after the third century.
29. Bead (L:11mm Max. T:3.5mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1288, WSG146, 2001.1792
Biconical green opaque bead. This type of bead is well known in the north of England but green examples are less common than blue. Guido 1978, 97–98; third to fourth centuries.
30. Bead (L:9mm). Area over Building 11, unstratified, J15:05, 1495, WSG142, 2001.1788
Small biconical blue opaque bead. Guido 1978, 98. This type of bead was largely confined to the south and midlands during the second and early third century but is known from sites on Hadrian’s Wall in late third- and fourth-century contexts.
31. Bead (L:15mm). Area over Building 11 and Alley 6, unstratified, L15:01, 1544, WSG36, 2001.1682
Biconical opaque cobalt blue bead. See above.
32. Bead (L:52mm T:4mm). Area over Buildings 7 and 8, unstratified, F10:01, 2189, WSG33, 2001.1679
Long translucent green twisted cylinder bead of square section.
33. Bead (L:4mm, T:3mm). Building 13, M12:55, 1833, WSG30, 2001.1676
Small, royal-blue, opaque cylinder bead of circular section. See Guido 1978, 94–5 and 207–8.
34. Bead (L:5.5mm D:4mm). Building 14, courtyard, late third/early fourth century, J09:21, 2145, WSG24, 2001.1670
Cylindrical opaque green bead. Guido 1978, 95 and 208–12.
35. Bead (L:6mm W:4mm T:2mm). Building 14, robber trench, H08:04, 2161, WSG23, 2001.1669
Translucent, dark green cylinder bead of rectangular section. Guido 1978, 96 and 212–5.
36. Bead (D:3mm). Area over Buildings 1, 2 and Alley 1, unstratified, N05:03, 127, WSG160, 2001.1806
Very small globular bead which is now iridescent blue with a patch of green but was possibly white originally.
37–45. MELON BEADS
Guido (1978, 100) has suggested that most blue or green glass melon beads can be found in Flavian or Antonine contexts, apparently dying out in the late second century and not reappearing until post-Roman times.
37. (D:23mm H:15mm). Road 9, post-Roman, H15:06, 1481, WSG35, 2001.1681. Dark blue glass.
38. (D:22mm H:17mm). Area over Road 9, unstratified, H14:49, 1235, WSG28, 2001.1674. Blue frit.
39. (D:19mm H:15mm). Area over Building 10 and Road 9, unstratified, H15:01, 1433, WSG42, 2001.1688. Blue frit.
40. (D:17mm H:14mm). Area over Building 1 and Alley 1, unstratified, P05:02, 109, WSG38, 2001.1684. Blue frit.
41. (D:16mm H:14mm). Chalet 12, Building AF, Period 4, L15:12, 779, WSG37, 2001.1683. Pale green frit.
42. (D:14mm H:11.5mm). Building AO, Period 4?, J07:15, 2176, WSG159, 2001.1805. Blue frit.
43. (D:12mm H:9mm). Building N, late third century, E11:06, 1028, WSG201, 2001.1453. Pale green frit.
44. (H:15mm). West rampart (F2), Q04:16, 408, WSG161, 2001.1807. Bright blue frit.
45. (H:11mm). Building 9, contubernium 8, Period 2, G14:17, 1597, WSG163, 2001.1809. Blue frit.
For the abbreviations used to describe the pottery fabrics, please see Chapter 22.
1. Statuette (L:95mm W:48mm). Soil over north-south drain east of Building 3, Period 3–4, Q07:10, 2590, WsP143, 2001.2456
Incomplete front section of a pipeclay dea nutrix statuette showing the goddess seated in a high-sided basketwork chair with a high plinth, suckling two infants. Such figurines were mass-produced in the Allier district of Gaul in the second century in moulds. Although common finds in the south-east of Britain they are less commonly found in the military north than the comparable Venus figurines. Examples are known from Binchester, Chesterholm, Corbridge, Piercebridge, South Shields: see Green 1978. For a general discussion see Jenkins 1957.
2. Statuette (D(base): 38mm). West of Building C, Period 3–4, F05:08, 448, WSP197, 2001.2510
Fragment of the domed base of a pipeclay statuette of Venus of which only the back of the feet survive. Whilst the clay was still plastic a ‘V’ was deeply incised just above the dome. These figurines were manufactured in the samian factories of Gaul from the mid first century AD until the centre of manufacture moved to Cologne at the end of the century. See Jenkins 1958.
3. Statuette (L:37mm). Area over Building 8, unstratified, E10:01, WSP92, 2001.2405
Fragment of a pipeclay figurine. Two strands of hair drape the shoulder, suggesting that this is from a Venus figurine.
4. Statuette (H: 26mm, W: 22mm, T: 11mm). Area of Building B and K, post-Roman, L05:07, 828, WSP196, 2001.2509
Foot from a pipeclay figurine.
5. Lamp (L of mask:24mm T of lamp wall:1.5mm). Area of Building 13, unstratified, M11:02, 1768, WSP216, 2001.2528
fragment from the discus of a mould made firmalampe of brown fabric showing a slave mask in relief. The mask has a ridged ‘page-boy’ hairstyle, pronounced eyebrows, a hooked nose and a gaping mouth with herring-bone motifs around the lips. There is a thumbprint on the back of the mask. Late first or early second century. North Italian: cf. Bailey 1975–96, 288, Q185.
6. Lamp (L: 82mm H: 26mm, Oil hole: 12mm, Wick hole: 10mm, Handle hole: 9mm). Building 8, room 8, Period 2, E10:74, 2398, WSP171, 2001.2484
Complete pottery lamp of buff fabric with a light brown colour coat. The single wick hole is well sooted and the oil hole is countersunk. The only decoration is two shallow ribs across the sloping shoulders. Donald Bailey has suggested (pers. comm.) that this firmalampe was made in Holland or Germany although a French origin cannot be ruled out. Loeschcke 1919, Type X; Evelein 1928, Type B.
7. Lamp (D(of discus):37mm). Building 8, room 1, midthird century?, D11:15, WSP152, 2001.2465
Fragment of the discus and rim of a firmalampe with two lugs on the rim. Grey fabric, red on interior surface. (AC)
8. Lamp (H:20mm). Building 10, contubernium 3/4/5, Period 2, F15:20, WSP149, 2001.2462
Two joining wall sherds of a firmalampe in a pale orange fabric with scattered fine inclusions and occasional large (1mm) red inclusions. The surfaces are slightly paler in colour, and the upper part of the exterior wall has been burnished. The base has two concentric rings and part of one letter of a name-stamp. (AC)
9. Lamp (L:90mm H:25mm). Area over Building 2 and Alley 1, unstratified, M05:01, WSP147, 2001.2460.
incomplete open lamp in a gritty, micaceous orange fabric with a grey core and occasional large (1mm) black inclusions. There is sooting on the both nozzle and the rim of the side wall. Open lamps are usually first- or second-century in date. (AC)
10. Lamp (L: 82mm, H: 25mm). Alley10/Building 17, disturbed surface inside building, third century, G04:16, 402, WSP187, 2001.2500
Small, pear-shaped ladle or open lamp. There are traces of burning on the lip of the fine pink-beige fabric. A short tapering handle projects on a line with the rim diametrically opposite the lip. The base is wire drawn.
11. Lamp (H:18mm). Area over Building 2 and Alley 1, post-Roman dereliction, M05:04, WSP267, 2001.2579
fragment of a small, wheel-thrown bowl with part of an applied handle. Probably small open lamp as no. 10 above. Locally produced oxidised ware fabric 1. Loeschcke 1919, Type XII. Cf. Eckardt 2002, fig. 107, no. 768. (AC).
12. Lamp (L: 40mm, W: 26mm, H. of handle: 11mm). West of Building C, Period 3–4, F05:08, 435, WSP193, 2001.2506
Base and handle of a very small clay lamp. There is no indication that there was ever a receptacle for oil and this was probably a toy or votive model. Cf. Bailey 1975–96, Q62, Q145, Q601.
13. Number not used.
14–50. PERFORATED POTTERY DISCS
As has been discussed in Allason-Jones and Miket 1984, 337–8, there is doubt as to whether all pottery discs with central holes should be identified as spindlewhorls as has invariably been the case in the past. The majority of the Wallsend examples are particularly unlikely to have been spindlewhorls as they are roughly made, vary considerably in thickness and several of the holes are off-centre. It is more probable that they were used as gaming tallies although the larger ones could have been used as lids.
14. (D:46mm T:4mm). Building 2, contubernium 5, Period
3 or later, M05:11, 301, WSP227, 2001.2539. Southeastern reduced ware cooking pot body sherd from near shoulder, so highly curved.
15. (D:42mm, T:6mm). Rubble over east rampart and intervallum road, Q07:07, 2498, WSP220, 2001.2531.
BB1 bowl/dish base sherd.
16. (D:41mm T:5mm). Road surface (B2), Period 3–4, H05:14, 778, WSP114, 2001.2427. Possibly from a BB2 bowl/dish.
17. (D:39mm T:7mm). Area over Building 13 and Alley 7, unstratified, L09:01, 2060, WSP113, 2001.2426. Unknown reduced ware, cooking pot body sherd with lattice decoration.
18. (D:38mm T:6mm). Debris over Cistern 1, Roman/post-Roman, E08:13, 2266, WSP221, 2001.2532. BB2 bowl/dish body sherd.
19. (D:37mm T:9mm). Area over Road 8, unstratified, E09:13, 2238, WSP108, 2001.2421. Unknown reduced ware, probably a cooking pot.
20. (D:37mm T:9mm). Gate 2, floor, late third century, D07:07, 2328, WSP107, 2001.2420. Unknown reduced ware, burnt. Possibly from the base of a cooking pot.
21. (D:37mm T:7mm). Area over Building 7, unstratified, F11:01, 1157, WSP229, 2001.2541. BB2 bowl/dish body sherd.
22. (D:36mm T:6mm). Building Row 20, Building Q, late third/early fourth century, F11:11, 1195, WSP106, 2001.2419. BB2.
23. (D:36mm T:5mm). Area over Building 9, unstratified, D13:01, 1480, WSP228, 2001.2540. BB2 bowl/dish.
24. (D:36mm T:5mm). Area over rampart by Gate 2, unstratified, D08:01, 2228, WSP219, 2001.2530. Unknown reduced ware cooking pot body sherd.
25. (D:35mm T:6mm). Road 9 drain fill, J14:06, 1378, WSP103, 2001.2416. Unknown reduced ware cooking pot body sherd, with lattice decoration.
26. (D:34mm T:8mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, K14:03, 1625, WSP115, 2001.2428. NVCC beaker base, black colour coat.
27. (D:34mm T:5mm). Area over Building 2 and Alley 1, post-Roman, M05:04, 41, WSP226, 2001.2538. BB2 bowl/dish base sherd.
28. (D:33mm T:6mm). Area of Building 11 and Alley 6, no details, L15:03, 1550, WSP225, 2001.2537. Unknown reduced ware.
29. (D:31mm T:4mm). Area over Building 10 and intervallum road (Road 6), unstratified, G15:01, 1452, WSP231, 2001.2543. BB2 cooking pot body sherd. Unfinished, with hole drilled on one side only.
30. (D:30mm T:7mm). Area over Building 11 and Alley 6, unstratified, L15:17, 1556, WSP222, 2001.2533. Grey ware cooking pot body sherd.
31. (D:30mm T:2.5mm). Area over Building 11 and Alley 6, unstratified, L15:01, 1393, WSP141, 2001.2454. NVCC beaker base sherd, black colour coat.
32. (D:29mm T:6mm). Alley10/Building 17, disturbed surface inside building, third century, G04:16, 411, WSP105, 2001.2418. Unknown reduced ware, probably a cooking pot.
33. (D:25mm T:6mm). Building 1, Period 2 demolition, Q04:02, 102, WSP224, 2001.2536. BB2 bowl/dish.
34. (D:42mm T:6.5mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, L14:01, 1276, WSP206, 2001.2518. White ware flagon body sherd.
35. (D:49mm B:5mm). Area over Building 10 and intervallum road (Road 6), unstratified, F15:01, 1054, WSP181, 2001.2494. Base of North Gaulish fabric 2 fine ware beaker, orange fabric and brown colour coat.
36. (D:42mm T:8.5mm). Area over Road 8, unstratified, F08:01, 2183, WSP205, 2001.2517. CG
37. (D:41mm T:8mm). Area over Building 12 and Road 3, unstratified, N14:11, 1704, WSP109, 2001.2422. CG
38. (R:c.20mm). Area over Building 2, unstratified, L05:01, 617, lost. Incomplete.
39. (D:39mm T:7mm). Area over Building AO, unstratified, L08:01, WSP167, 2001.2480.
40. (D:38mm T:5mm). Area over Building 11, unstratified, J15:05, 1520, WSP230, 2001.2542. CG Dr. 33
41. (D:36mm T:5mm). Area over Buildings 7 and 8, unstratified, F10:12, 2235, WSP213, 2001.2525. EG
42. (D:36mm T:8mm). Cistern 1, lower fill, late third century, E08:44, 2370, WSP207, 2001.2519. EG
43. (D:36mm T:5.5mm). Area over Building 2 and Alley 1, unstratified, M05:01, 665, WSP139, 2001.2452. CG Dr. 18/31 body sherd.
44. (D:35mm T:9mm). Building AO, Period 4?, J07:15, 2160, WSP215, 2001.2527.
45. (D:34mm T:7mm). Area over intervallum road (Road 4), unstratified, P04:01, 16, WSP104, 2001.2417. Southeastern reduced ware cooking pot body sherd.
46. (D:33mm T:6mm). Area over Building 1, unstratified, L04:15, 891, WSP208, 2001.2520. CG
47. (D:32mm B:9mm). Chalet 12, Building AL2, (mid)-late third century, M15:21, 1892, WSP168, 2001.2481.
48. (D:30mm T:6mm). Area over Via quintana, unstratified, G12:01, 1168, WSP111, 2001.2422. CG Dr. 31 or 18/31.
49. (D:26mm T:5mm). Area over Building 4 and Via praetoria, unstratified, K04:01, 768, WSP199, 2001.2512. EG
50. (D:16mm T:6mm). Area over Building BA, unstratified, M13:01, 1686, WSP110, 2001.2423. CG
51–97. DISCS
It was a common practice for discs to be cut from sherds of pottery and such discs are usually identified as gaming counters. However, some of the discs in this assemblage are larger than would be required for gaming counters and it is probable that some were used as lids, bungs, or weights.
51. (D:110mm B:18mm). Building 9, contubernium 2, Period 2, E13:13, WSP265, 2001.2577.
52. (D:105mm B:25mm). Timber Building 2, Period 1, E10:77, WSP264, 2001.2576.
53. (D:55mm). Area over Building 4, unstratified, J04:01, WSP266, 2001.2578.
54. (D:48mm T:7mm). Building 8, courtyard, Period 4, E10:11, 1156, WSP118, 2001.2431. BB2 bowl/dish base sherd.
55. (D:45mm T:9mm). Building 8, room 8 cess-pit fill, mid-third century?, E10:43, WSP170, 2001.2483. BB2 bowl/dish base sherd.
56. (D:43mm T:5mm). Yard south of Building 13, Period 1–2, N13:03, 1846, WSP223, 2001.2534. BB2 bowl/dish base sherd.
57. (D:40mm T:5mm). Road 9, post-Roman, H15:06, 1448, WSP127, 2001.2440. South-eastern reduced ware cooking pot body sherd.
58. (D:37mm T:6–8mm). Building 1, Period 2 demolition, N05:04, WSP150, 2001.2463. BB2 bowl/dish base.
59. (D:35mm T:6mm). Rubble over Building 8 (B3), mid-third century or later, E10:53, 2316, WSP119, 2001.2432. BB2 bowl/dish base sherd.
60. (D:34mm T:6mm). Area over Building 10, unstratified, D14:01, 1082, WSP122, 2001.2435. Unknown reduced ware.
61. (D:33mm T:8mm). Area over Buildings 7 and 8, unstratified, F10:12, 2256, WSP117, 2001.2430. BB2 cooking pot base.
62. (D:33mm T:8mm). Area of Building 1 and Road 4, no details, M04:24, WSP148, 2001.2461. BB2 bowl/dish base sherd.
63. (D:32mm T:6mm). Road 3, E12:30, 1182, WSP121, 2001.2434. BB2, possibly a cooking pot.
64. (D:32mm T:4mm). Area over Building 1, unstratified, L04:03, WSP91, 2001.2404. NVCC beaker base, brown colour coat.
65. (D:31mm T:5mm). Building 8 abandonment/make-up layer for Building N, mid/late third century?, E12:03, 1029, WSP120, 2001.2433. BB2 bowl/dish body sherd.
66. (D:30mm T:6mm). Building 11, contubernium 3/4, Period 2, L15:23, 1624, WSP130, 2001.2443. BB2 bowl/dish body sherd.
67. (D:29mm T:6mm). Area over Building AO, unstratified, K08:01, WSP145, 2001.2458. BB2 bowl/dish base sherd.
68. (D:28mm T:6mm). Rubble over west praetentura, Period 4, 824, WSP125, 2001.2438. BB2 bowl/dish, probably a base sherd.
69. (D:25mm T:5mm). Area over Building 10 and intervallum road (Road 6), unstratified, F15:01, 1055, WSP129, 2001.2442. BB2 body sherd.
70. (D:25mm T:5mm). Area over Building 10 and Alley 5, unstratified, F14:01, 1421, WSP124, 2001.2437. BB2 bowl/dish, with hole started from both side. Unfinished pierced disc?
71. (D:24mm T:5mm). Building 2, contubernium 8, demolition rubble, Period 3 or later, L05:25, WSP146, 2001.2459. Unknown grey ware beaker base.
72. (D:21mm T:5mm). Building 1, Period 2 demolition, Q04:02, 89, WSP131, 2001.2444. BB2 bowl/dish body sherd.
73. (D:21mm T:4mm). Unstratified, L15:??, WSP144, 2001.2457. Unknown reduced ware.
74. (D:19mm T:5.5mm). Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 608, WSP123, 2001.2436. BB2, possibly cooking pot.
75. (D:19mm T:6mm). Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 609, WSP128, 2001.2441. South-eastern reduced ware cooking pot body sherd.
76. (D:16mm T:6mm). Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 607, WSP126, 2001.2439. BB2 cooking pot.
77. (D:16mm B:5mm). Area over Building 1, ploughsoil, Q05:02, 63, WSP135, 2001.2448. Burnt samian.
78. (D:13mm T:4.5mm). Building 8, room 1, mid-third century?, D11:15, 1049, WSP116, 2001.2429. BB2 cooking pot body sherd.
79. (D:44mm T:6mm). Area over Building 12, unstratified, K14:03, 1537, WSP182, 2001.2495. CG.
80. (D:42mm T:7mm). Area over Building 9, unstratified, H13:06, 1253, WSP184, 2001.2497. CG, late Antonine.
81. (D:33mm T:8mm). Chalet 10, Building X, Period 4, G15:16, 962, WSP132, 2001.2445. EG, late Antonine.
82. (D:33mm B:9mm). Area over Building 13 and Via quintana, unstratified, L12:01, 1676, WSP209, 2001.2521. Decorated body sherd.
83. (D:32mm B:12mm). Area over Building 1, unstratified, L04:11, WSP275, 2001.2586.
84. (D:31mm). Road 8, F08:10, 2254, WSP214, 2001.2526. CG Dr.18/31, Antonine.
85. (D:30mm). Clay puddling pit, Period 3 demolition, N05:14, WSP272, 2001.2583.
86. (D:20mm B:7mm). Area over Buildings 4, 5 and Alley 3, unstratified, G04:02, WSP278, 2001.2589.
87. (D:20mm B:6mm). Area over Road 9, unstratified, J14:05, WSP274, 2001.2585.
88. (D:24mm T:11mm). Area over Cistern 1, unstratified, E08:08, 2230, WSP183, 2001.2496. EG, late Antonine-third century.
89. (D:19mm T:5.5mm). Alley 4, F05:47, 483, WSP140, 2001.2453. CG with ovolo border filling half the face.
90. (D:19mm B:5mm). Area over Building AO, unstratified, K08:01, WSP273, 2001.2584.
91. (D:18mm T:5mm). Area over Building 13, unstratified, M12:01, 1662, lost.
92. (D:17mm T:5mm). Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 625, WSP112, 2001.2425 CG or EG.
93. (D:16mm T:6mm). Building 14, crosshall, Period 1 or 2, K11:55, 2162, WSP203, 2001.2515. Unknown oxidised ware, polished after manufacture.
94. (D:16mm T:5mm). Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 606, WSP134, 2001.2447. Slip removed completely on one face.
95. (D:15mm B:5mm). Unstratified, WSP204, 2001.2516. 96. (D:13mm T:5mm). Area over Building 2, ploughsoil, L05:03, 605, WSP212, 2001.2524. CG. Slip removed almost completely on one face.
97. (D:13mm T:6mm). Building 8, room 1 wall, Period 2, D11:11, 993, WSP133, 2001.2446.
1. Disc (D: 53mm T: 15mm). Wall of medieval or modern building, N05:02, 192, WST21
Roughly circular disc cut from the top end of a tegula roof tile, utilising the nail hole. Net sinker or loom weight.
1. Palette (L:101mm W:63mm T:9mm). Building 18, contubernium 1, floor, Period 3–4, F05:39, 486, WSS266, 2001.3122
Rectangular slate palette which narrows slightly to one end. Three edges are bevelled; the evidence from the Continent suggests that the bevelled edges were to enable the palettes to slide into grooved metal frames. See Allason-Jones and Miket 1984, no. 12.68.
2. Palette (L:81mm, W:62mm, T:16mm). Area over Building 7, unstratified, E11:17, 1111, WSS68, 2001.2925
Rectangular slate palette with rounded edges on three sides. The fourth edge has been deliberately cut across.
3. Palette (L:75mm W:68mm). Building 3, abandonment/ post-Roman dereliction, P07:07, WSS85, 2001.2942
Incomplete rectangular palette bevelled on three edges.
4. Slate Palette (D:77mm T:3mm). Building 2, contubernium 8 wall, Period 3, L05:54, 947, WSS82, 2001.2939
Half of an oval slate palette which tapers slightly to the rounded edge.
5–13. WHETSTONES WITH AN OVAL CROSS-SECTION
Fine-Grained Sandstone Unless Otherwise Stated.
5. (L:103mm W:53mm T:18mm). Chalet 10, Building X, Period 4, H15:10, 1429, WSS295, 2001.3151. Greywacke. With rounded end.
6. (L:71mm W:42mm T:27mm). Area of Building 2, no details, L05:20, 889, WSS73, 2001.2930. Incomplete. Flat end.
7. (L:65mm W:35mm T:24mm). Area over Building 10, post-Roman, D14:08, 1478, WSS276, 2001.3132. Micaceous sandstone. Incomplete, with rounded end.
8. (L:48mm W:33mm T:20mm). Chalet 9, post-Roman dereliction, G13:03, 1240, WSS250, 2001.3106. Carboniferous. Very coarse stone. Incomplete.
9. (L:95mm W:31mm T:24mm). Area over Gate 3 and intervallum road (Road 6), unstratified, J16:01, 1322, WSS277, 2001.3133. Carboniferous. Incomplete, with a tapering, squared end.
10. (L:79mm W:27mm T:16mm). Alley 3 eaves drip trench, Period 3, F04:33, 578, WSS269, 2001.3125. Greywacke. Incomplete, with rounded end.
11. (L:49mm W:24mm T:11mm). Area over Building 3 and Alley 2, unstratified, N07:01, 2465, WSS285, 2001.3141. Lentoid section, with squared end.
12. (L:83mm W:22mm T:13mm). Building 7, west granary make-up layers, F11:12, 957, WSS274, 2001.3130. Ironrich sandstone. Slightly curved, with rounded ends.
13. (L:81mm W:20mm, T:14mm). Area over Building 13, unstratified, N10:01, 2471, WSS74, 2001.2931. Incomplete, rounded at one end.
14–30. WHETSTONES WITH A SQUARE OR RECTANGULAR CROSS-SECTION
Fine-grained sandstone unless otherwise stated.
14. (L:170mm W:52mm T:26mm). Building 1 foundations, officer’s quarters, Period 3, Q05:17, 297, WSS71, 2001.2928. Squared end.
15. (L:120mm W:49mm T:18mm). West rampart, midthird century, D08:12, 2408, WSS65, 2001.2922. Rounded end.
16. (L:56mm W:39mm T:17.5mm). Rampart building north of Porta quintana, Period 2–3, C11:04, 1216, WSS284, 2001.3140. Incomplete.
17. (L:150mm W:36mm T:18mm). Building 16, floor, Period 1–2, K07:08, 2114, WSS69, 2001.2926. Finegrained whin. Very worn in one area.
18. (L:55mm W:35mm T:35mm). Road 3, F11:19, 1217, WSS70, 2001.227. Incomplete, with rounded ends and edges. One very smooth face.
19. (L:63mm W:35mm T:16mm). Road 8, F09:07, 2354, WSS281, 2001.3137. Incomplete, with squared end.
20. (L:108mm W:34mm T:11mm). Building 1, contubernia 2–4, Period 2?, N04:18, 529, WSS279, 2001.3135. Incomplete. Curved.
21. (L:32mm W:32mm B:20mm). Area over Building 1 and intervallum road (Road 4), unstratified, M04:01, 13, WSS292, 2001.3148. Incomplete, squared end. Burnt.
22. (L:81mm W:31mm B:20mm). West intervallum road, E04:23, WSS87, 2001.2944. Incomplete, upper face tapering to meet lower face at end.
23. (L:61mm W:29mm T:16mm). Building 1, officer’s quarters, Period 2, Q05:34, 528, WSS275, 2001.3131. Incomplete.
24. (L:95mm W:25mm B:19mm). Building 3, contubernium 2, Period 2, N07:15, 2633, WSS86, 2001.2943. Squared ends.
25. (L:59mm W:25mm B:15mm). Chalet 12, Building AL2, (mid-)late third century, M15:21, 1861, WSS294, 2001.3150. Incomplete.
26. (L:78mm W:24mm T:24mm). Area over Building 4 and Via praetoria, unstratified, K04:01, 725. WSS67, 2001.2924. Tapering to circular cross-section at one end.
27. (L:60mm W:23mm T:16mm). Building 13, room 7, Period 4, N12:37, 1886, WSS271, 2001.3127. Very flat faces and crisp edges. A broad rib runs along two sides. Incomplete.
28. (L:120mm T :22mm W :37mm). Area east of Building 10, post-Roman rubble, H15:06, 1446, SS289, 2001.3145. Coarse sandstone. Incomplete, with squared end.
29. (L:80mm W:21mm T:15mm). Area over Building 11, unstratified, K15:01, WSS290, 2001.3146. Very finegrained sandstone. With oblique ends which show saw marks.
30. (L:52mm W:18mm T:17mm). Area over Building 10 and Alley 5, unstratified, F14:01, 1470, WSS106, 2001.2963. Short, with squared ends. Showing signs of heavy use.
31–2. FLAT SANDSTONE WHETSTONES
31. (L:78mm W:60mm T:23mm). Clay puddling pit, Period 3 demolition, N05:13, 271, WSS66, 2001.2926. Incomplete. Highly polished on one face.
32. (L:109mm Max W:59mm T:24.5mm). Building 18, contubernium 1, Period 3–4, F05:15, 440, WSS278, 2001.3134. Large, flat fine-grained sandstone whetstone with curved edges.
33. Pierced disc (D:120mm B:15mm). Unstratified, WSS49, 2001.2906
Large flat disc with small central hole.
34. Spindlewhorl (D:42mm T:19mm). Chalet 12, Building AM2, (mid-)late third century, M14:11, 1859, WSS81, 2001.2938
Circular micaceous sandstone spindlewhorl or loomweight with a 7mm diameter central hole. Slightly burnt.
35. Pot lid (D:148mm). Building 8, room 1, Period 3, D11:23, WSS108, 2001.2965
Roughly shaped sandstone disc, found in situ over a BB2 cooking pot (Fig. 22.15, no. 68) set into the floor of a room in Building 8.
36–7. POT LIDS
Roughly worked sandstone discs. Possibly used as pot lids.
36. (D:127mm, T:20mm). Road associated with northwest shacks (B2), Period 3–4, H04:19, 802, WSS265, 2001.3121.
37. (D:140mm B:40mm). Building 16, Period 3 occupation, K08:33, 2097, WSS51, 2001.2908.
38–46. DISCS
The smaller examples, especially those which are bun-shaped, were probably used as counters.
38. (D:62mm B:20mm). Building 14, robber trench, K11:30, 1908, WSS53, 2001.2910. Sandstone.
39. (D:57mm B:8mm). Cistern 2, upper fill, late third/early fourth century, J07:14, WSS84, 2001.2941. Sandstone.
40. (D:36mm T:9mm). Lower fill of north-south drain in Alley 9, F10:23, 232, WSS75, 2001.2932. Roughly shaped disc of pink micaceous sandstone.
41. (D:33mm T:6mm). Area over Alley 5, post-Roman, G14:08, 1314, WSS79, 2001.2936. Micaceous sandstone. Flat.
42. (D:25mm T:2mm) Road 8, F08:10, 2446, WSS282, 2001.3138. Sandstone.
43. (D:22mm B:6mm). Area over Building 2 and Alley 1, unstratified, M05:01, 12, WSS301, 2001.2449. Soft white stone.
44. (D:19mm T:3mm). Area over Building 8, unstratified, E11:01, 1103, WSS80, 2001.2937. Sandstone. Flat with a rounded edge.
45. (D:18mm B:5mm). Road 8, F09:06, 2219, WSS107, 2001.2964. Natural pebble, possibly used as counter.
46. (D:15mm T:4mm). Rampart building north of Porta quintana, Period 2–3, C11:04, 1085, WSS262, 2001.3118. Fragment of pebble, possibly used as counter.
47. Disc (D:85mm B:35mm). Area over Road 8, unstratified, E09:01, 2205, WSS52, 2001.2909
Sandstone disc, tapering slightly to edges, with circular hollow on upper surface.
48. Lamp (L:165mm W:130mm B:65mm). Building 16, floor, Period 4, N08:24, 2559, WSS58, 2001.2915
Roughly circular sandstone lamp, with nozzle on one side. Burnt.
49. Lamp? (L:170mm W:80mm B:11mm; recess L:90mm W:50mm B:20mm). Area of Road 3, modern, K13:02, 1387, WSS54
Tall, roughly rectangular-shaped block of sandstone, with a lamp-shaped recess pecked out of one surface. Slightly shallower at nozzle end, but with no sign of burning. Unstratified, so could be post-Roman.
50–52. RECESSED STONES
Stone with hollow recesses on side, that might have been used as moulds. Some possibly post-Roman.
50. (L:120mm W:110mm B:25mm; recess L:60mm W:55mm B:10mm). Soil over north-south drain east of Building 3, Period 3–4, Q07:10, 2617, WSS56, 2001.2913
Shallow rectangle of sandstone, with heavy signs of burning on lower surface. Upper surface has a finely worked shallow rectangular recess.
51. (L:120mm W:120mm B:70mm). Area over Building 16, unstratified, Q08:01, 2483, WSS57, 2001.2914
Incomplete sandstone block, with one corner of shallow square or rectangular recess. Some signs of burning.
52. (L(complete):135mm (surviving):100mm W:111mm H:40mm). Levelling between Buildings Q and R, late third/early fourth century, F11:18, 1180, WSS55, 2001.2912
Sandstone block with shallow oval recess, tapering to one end. There are two depressions in the wide end, as if to take location pins. Originally in one piece, one end now lost.
53. Sandstone block (H: 62mm, D: 98mm). Area over Building 1 and intervallum road (Road 4), unstratified, M04:01, 14, WSS264, 2001.3120
Bun-shaped sandstone block posibly used as a pounder.
54. Bead (D:16mm B:6mm). Intervallum road, mid to late third century?, D14:12, 1493, WSS302, 2001.2450
Roughly made stone bead in a soft white stone.
55. Crinoid ossicle. (D:13mm B:5mm). Building 16, floor, Period 4, L07:20, 2043, WSS258, 2001.3114
large example, pierced. The site has produced four pierced examples and 11 non-pierced. Fossil crinoid ossicles are commonly found on Roman sites in the north. This may be a natural distribution but the form lends itself easily to bead manufacture and the numbers found suggest that the fossils were used in such a way. See Allason-Jones and Miket 1984, 12.3–10.
56. Stone axe (L:97mm W:53mm B:21mm). Area over Buildings 7 and 8, unstratified, F11:01, 1109, WSS109 C. Waddington writes: A fine ground and polished stone axe. It has evidence of limited utilisation along the blade edge, although some of this may be due to post-depositional damage such as ploughing. There are also some flakes detached from the distal butt end which could also be the result of plough damage rather than purposive use. It seems likely, therefore, that the axe may have been originally discarded in a pristine condition which suggests that it have been a votive rather than a functional item. Ground and polished stone axes are diagnostic tools of the Neolithic period with types such as this common, but not exclusive to, Early Neolithic contexts. This is a relatively small specimen.
Rounded stones slightly larger than a cricket ball, but with one or two flattened sides (usually on opposite sides of the stone) are not uncommon finds on military sites across the Roman Empire. Wallsend has yielded up the largest number of such worked stones of any site in Roman Britain (a total of 136 from the Daniels’ excavations alone, with more from the excavations both within and surrounding the fort in the 1990s (Griffiths 2003, 230).
The stones were weighed and measured. The diameter was taken parallel to the flattened side(s) if present. The measurements for each stone are given in the catalogue below, where they are ordered by their overall diameter. The diameters recorded range from 55–126mm (for complete examples). The weight range from 159–1485g, again for complete examples.
The catalogue is subdivided according to the basic form of the stone. Some stones clearly exhibited the classic shape of two flattened sides, and some only clearly showed one flattened side. Other examples which could not be so readily classified are recorded in a third group, which includes stones which are only roughly rounded, the shape created from a faceting of several faces, some being so rough that they effectively represented a cube. Some stones are exceptionally well rounded, with no obviously flat face.
The subdivision need indicate nothing more than different hands being involved in the manufacture of the stones; with the more roughly shaped, faceted stones indicating less experienced hands at work, or at least less application to the task in hand. It might reasonably be inferred that this was not a task for specialists. A group of three stones (14, 15, and 21, all found together, context M07:15), reused in a Period 3 flagged floor in Building 3, all appear to have been made by the same hand.
Each entry has diameter, weight, context number, site small finds number and current record number.
Various suggestions have been put forward for the use of these stones, ranging from game balls to stoppers for amphorae (Corder 1933, 38, who found one in situ in the neck of an amphora in a civilian context at York). However, the vast majority of examples known from this country are found at military sites. Generally they are regarded as having been missiles for artillery pieces but they may perhaps also have been used for throwing by hand (Baatz 1983, Griffiths 1992, 1994c). The flattened sides of the stones can be interpreted as making it easier to stack the stones ready for use, which would suit either interpretation.
The traditional interpretation that they were for artillery pieces deserves some consideration. Generally, missiles of this size would be for smaller ‘field’ pieces, Ballistae, two-armed stone-throwers. Some of the celebrated larger machines were capable of firing stones in excess of 26kg (one talent: Vitruvius, De Architectura X, 11, 3). However, these were more likely to be deployed in sieges, to attack defended circuits; they would have been of only limited use in defending a fort.
There has been much debate as to the likely presence of artillery at auxiliary forts. The traditional view is that only the legions were issued with artillery (c.55 pieces to a legion, giving us 165 pieces in Britannia: Marsden 1969, 179). However there are alternative views, including suggestions that every tower on Hadrian’s Wall could have deployed such an item (Donaldson 1988, 127). The presence of stone balls at Wallsend cannot in itself be used to argue for the provision of artillery at the site, as they may have been used as a hand-launched missile; instead we must turn to the rarely found items from artillery pieces (no examples of which have yet been recovered from Wallsend). For example, the discovery of two fragments from two separate artillery pieces at Elginhaugh (Allason-Jones 2007, 405), a similarly extensively excavated fort in Flavian Scotland, could indicate that auxiliary units may have been issued with artillery. However, Elginhaugh was occupied during and after an extensive campaign that included legionary units, so special pleading could be made for a legionary presence, or at least supply chain, at some point. The only conclusion that can be reached on the basis of present evidence is that stone balls such as these could have been used for artillery pieces, but cannot be used in themselves to argue for its presence.
It is clear that the Roman army was trained in throwing stones by hand (Vegetius, Epitoma Rei Mililtaris, II:23; Arrian, Tactica, XLIII:1) and stones of a similar size and weight would be more effective than simply gathering random stones for such use: ‘a high rate of accurate fire’ would not ‘be achieved with stones of uncertain weight’ (Baatz 1983, 136). There is no firm evidence to support the use of the hand-thrown stone by the Roman army in battle, although there is evidence, both literary (eg Aeneas Tacticus, XXII:12 and XXXVIII:6–7) and sculptural (Arch of Constantine), that stones were thrown by hand in the defence of towns, and it is possible that this could be applied to forts. Indeed, experiments from the reconstructed gateway at South Shields Roman Fort showed that such stones could provide a withering rate of fire, with a range that covered the ‘kill-zone’ of the 25 metres from the outer ditch to the fort wall (Griffiths 1992).
Regardless of their exact purpose (and it may be that in fact they had a duality of purpose, hand-throwing and artillery), it seems likely that the stones were prepared for the defence of the fort. An alternative possibility is that they could have been held ready to take to the field with artillery as is indicated by Arrian (Tactica, XLI, 1), who, apparently, credits auxiliary units with firing artillery on campaign. However, this interpretation is disputed (Campbell 1986, 127), and as stated above, auxiliary units are generally regarded as not being equipped with artillery.
The stones were found throughout much of the fort, as can be seen on Fig. 25.35 showing their distribution by site grid. There was almost no detailed excavation of the defences, explaining why few were found in the areas they might perhaps most readily be anticipated.
Table 25.01: Numbers of stones by location type
| Stratified | |
| Infantry barracks | 52 |
| Roads and Alleys | 25 |
| Cavalry barracks | 7 |
| Defences | 2 |
| Other | 2 |
| Timber buildings | 3 |
| Hospital | 1 |
| Total | 92 |
| Unstratified | |
| Over infantry barracks | 2 |
| Over roads and Alleys | 4 |
| Over cavalry barracks | 5 |
| Over defences | 2 |
| Over hospital | 1 |
| No details | 30 |
| Total | 44 |
| Total | 136 |
Many of the stones were scattered finds. However, there were some concentrations, in particular two in the northern range of the fort (26 stones in Building 4 and 21 in Building 3). Twenty-one of the stones from Building 4 were recovered from two contexts G04:07 and G04:31. The former contained six stones (two inscribed; see below) and is described as a probable make-up level below the flooring in contubernium 2, while the majority of stones (including four inscribed examples) are from the partition slot between contubernia 2 and 3. This phase of the building is identified as Period 2, the later second-century rebuilding of the fort, which included the reconstruction of the timber barracks in stone (Hodgson 2003, 5). A possible interpretation therefore is that they were identified as no longer required, and became a convenient source of building rubble/ packing material in the construction of the barrack. Eighteen of the stones from Building 3 were recovered from context N07:15, described as a soil layer under the flagged floor of room 2 (contexts N07:14, M07:15), which produced three more stones. Again the contexts are dated to Period 2.
In all cases we can consider that the stones were no longer required as ammunition, and simply used as rubble/packing. The question is, why should this be so? If we interpret them as artillery ammunition then one could simply argue that there was no longer artillery kept at the fort. However, if they are regarded as being used for hand-throwing then their re-use is more problematic, although of course it may simply be that they became mixed up with other rubble, or in the case of the partition slot they were conveniently to hand for the builders.
Eight of the stones (RIB II 2451.3–10) were inscribed with what appear, for the most part, to be numerals. There is no clear evidence to suggest a purpose of these numbers. Possibilities include a mason’s or maker’s mark, a tally mark, or markings for some form of game. Only two other stone balls from Britain have been recovered with inscriptions, RIB II 2451.1 from Caerleon, inscribed with an M and RIB II 2451.2 from Corbridge, now lost. There is some uncertainty as to the exact interpretation of the inscription of the Corbridge example. In all cases that the markings take the style of a graffito as opposed to a formal inscription. All the stones apart from no. 61 (RIB II 2451.3), which was unstratified, were found in the construction levels of contubernium 2 in Building 4 in Period 2.
The combination of the inscribed examples, and sheer quantity of stones, makes this assemblage distinctive, but need not signify activity out of the ordinary. Wallsend remains one of the most comprehensively excavated forts in the Roman world, and it may be that excavations of a similar scale could yield similar numbers (indeed excavations of the Antonine fort at Bar Hill have yielded 110 examples: MacDonald and Park 1906, 21, 32, 89; see also Marchant 1991, 90–98 for a catalogue of examples from other sites in Britain).
