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 in 1,800 years." The discovery was among a record-breaking haul that included 47 volunteers and 24 Newcastle University archaeology students working together to reveal the fort's secrets.
Volunteers working at the Bremenium Fort site in High Rochester, Northumberland. (Northumberland National Park)
Mediterranean Connections on Rome's Northern Frontier
Richard Carlton, who oversees archaeology at the site, explained that the intaglio represents exceptional craftsmanship rarely seen in Roman Britain. The grape harvest scene carved into the red stone shows parallels with similar artworks found in Dalmatia (modern Croatia) and northern Italy, suggesting the gem's owner likely hailed from the Mediterranean region. Such personal items were precious possessions for Roman soldiers stationed at the empire's distant frontiers, serving both as seals for official documents and as cherished reminders of home.
The artistic quality and cultural specificity of the carved scene indicate that Bremenium Fort housed individuals of considerable status and wealth. During the Roman occupation of Britain, intaglios functioned as both practical tools and status symbols, pressed into wax to authenticate letters and official correspondence. The choice of imagery - cupids engaged in the wine harvest - reflects themes deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture, where viticulture held profound economic and religious significance.
A Treasure Trove of Roman Life
Beyond the star intaglio, excavators uncovered a second carved gemstone of similarly high quality, establishing 2025 as the most productive year yet at Bremenium. The diverse assemblage included Roman pottery, military equipment such as spearheads and lead sling shot, intact brooches, a bronze lamp, and amphorae that once transported wine or olive oil from distant provinces. Bob Jackson of the Redesdale Archaeology Group noted that this year's finds were "exceptional, in both quantity and quality," offering fresh insights into trade networks, craftsmanship, and daily existence at this frontier garrison.
The artifacts paint a vivid picture of life at Bremenium during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. As the northernmost fort along Hadrian's Wall, it served as a crucial defensive position protecting Roman Britain from unconquered tribes beyond the frontier. The presence of Mediterranean luxury goods and finely crafted personal items suggests that even at the empire's edge, Roman soldiers maintained connections to their cultural roots and enjoyed access to imported commodities. The intact brooches and jewelry demonstrate that fashion and personal adornment remained important even in this remote military setting.
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A small oil lamp found at the site this season. (Northumberland National Park)
Future Excavations Promise More Discoveries
The success of the 2025 season has energized the archaeological team, with plans already underway for next year's return to Bremenium. Funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Newcastle University, and the Redesdale Archaeology Group has enabled these systematic investigations of the fort's interior structures and defensive walls. Each season builds upon previous discoveries, gradually revealing the complex history of this strategic military installation that guarded Dere Street, the major Roman road connecting York to Scotland.
The ongoing work at Bremenium contributes significantly to scholarly understanding of Roman Britain's northern frontier. Unlike more famous sites along Hadrian's Wall, Bremenium has received less archaeological attention over the decades, making recent discoveries all the more valuable. The exceptional preservation of organic materials and small artifacts in the fort's soil conditions provides rare evidence of daily life that complements the written records preserved elsewhere. As excavations continue, researchers anticipate uncovering additional evidence of the diverse populations - from Mediterranean veterans to local recruits - who manned this distant outpost of Roman power.
Top image: The carved gem or ‘intaglio’ found at the Bremenium Fort site in High Rochester, Northumberland. Source: Elaine Vallack via BBC
By Gary Manners
References
Archaeology.org. 2025. Carved Jewel Uncovered at Roman Fort in Northern England. Available at: https://archaeology.org/news/2025/10/29/carved-jewel-uncovered-at-roman-fort-in-northern-england/
Burgess, T., 2025. Northumberland's Bremenium Roman Fort dig uncovers 'record finds'. BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dr4ldwj02o
