Discovered Roman milestone hid curiosity | Photo: Highways England
Discovered in late 2017/2018 along the A14 road in Cambridgeshire, eastern England, a Roman milestone revealed a curiosity. The folded stone turned out to be embossed with the outline of the penis on top.
According to scientists, it is one of the four milestones in which such decorations were found.
In the Roman world, phallus was an important symbol of good luck and protection against charms. The symbol was commonly used in shops, on mosaics, and on house walls. There was also fascinum – a phallic amulet, which was worn around the neck to ensure the child’s safety and protect it from evil forces. Interestingly, Roman soldiers also wore fascina.
