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The short version

  • A copper nail cleaner with a phallic handle was found near Cheltenham during preparations for M5 Junction 10 improvements.
  • Experts describe the object as potentially the finest known example of its kind, dating to the late Roman period between 300 and 400 C.E.
  • The discovery is part of a larger collection of artifacts spanning two millennia, including Iron Age coins and medieval pennies.

Archaeologists working in Gloucestershire, England, have unearthed a distinctive artifact from the late Roman period that combines practical utility with symbolic imagery. The object is a nail cleaner made of copper, featuring a flat, two-pronged blade designed for removing dirt from fingernails. Attached to this functional end is a handle shaped unmistakably like male genitalia, complete with a small loop on one side that likely allowed the owner to thread it onto a strap or rope for easy transport.

The discovery was made by researchers from Archaeological Research Services Ltd., who were conducting excavations ahead of planned roadwork near Cheltenham. The town sits approximately 100 miles west of London, and the specific site is part of the M5 Junction 10 improvement project managed by Gloucestershire County Council. While similar phallic artifacts have been found in other parts of England, including Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, experts note that this particular specimen may represent the finest example currently known.

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Dating to between 300 and 400 C.E., the nail cleaner reflects a cultural attitude toward the human body that differs significantly from modern sensibilities. While contemporary observers might view the phallic design as humorous or crude, Roman society largely regarded such imagery as a symbol of good luck and protection. The phallus was commonly used to ward off misfortune and evil spirits, serving as an amulet rather than merely a decorative element.

Historical evidence supports this interpretation of the symbol’s significance. Romans carved numerous phallic images into Hadrian’s Wall, the defensive fortification spanning the northern border of Britain. Other artifacts from the era include a wooden disembodied phallus and a bone sculpture of similar proportions. Archaeologists note that these depictions were widespread and carried no shame, often appearing near doorways or as personal accessories intended to ensure fertility and safety.

The nail cleaner is just one piece of an extensive collection of items recovered from the site. The excavation has revealed a rich history of settlement, agriculture, and industrial activity in the region. Among the other finds are the remains of a person who died during the fourth century C.E., buried with grave goods that included a copper bracelet and several coins. This burial provides a tangible link to the individuals who lived and worked in the area during the late Roman period.

Further artifacts from the dig include a copper-alloy belt buckle dating to the same era. The D-shaped buckle is attached to a rectangular plate decorated with stamped circles and a geometric foliate design. The construction suggests the buckle had some freedom of movement when worn, indicating a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in everyday items. These objects help paint a picture of daily life and personal adornment in Roman Britain.

The site has also yielded a diverse array of coins spanning at least 2,000 years of history. These include a silver piece featuring a horse, likely issued by the local Dobunni tribe during the Iron Age. Bronze coins from the reigns of Allectus, a Roman usurper who controlled Britain in the early fourth century, and Constantine I, who ruled the empire later in that century, were also recovered. More recent finds include medieval pennies dating back to 1216 C.E. and a sixpence issued by King George VI in 1963.

In addition to ancient items, archaeologists uncovered more modern artifacts such as 18th-century Navy buttons and 19th-century livery buttons. These discoveries underscore the long and continuous human presence in the area. As road construction proceeds, the findings provide a detailed narrative of the region’s past, from tribal settlements in the Iron Age through Roman occupation and into the modern era.

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Go to the original reporting

  • Smithsonian Magazine↗Archaeologists in England Preparing for Road Construction Unearthed a Roman-Era Fingernail Cleaner With a Handle Shaped Like a Penis