fort

Archaeologists working at Bremenium Fort in High Rochester, Northumberland, have uncovered a remarkable carved gemstone that offers a window into the Mediterranean origins of Rome's frontier soldiers. The red stone intaglio, likely once set in a signet ring, depicts two cupids harvesting grapes beside a goat-like creature - a scene experts believe is unique to Britain and northern Europe. The exceptional find emerged during the fifth consecutive season of excavations at this Roman outpost, which lies north of Hadrian's Wall, reports the BBC. Volunteer Barry Mead discovered the precious artifact on the very first day of the 2025 dig, experiencing what he described as the thrill of being "the first person to see any of the items I dig up