Roman soldiers' graffiti at Hadrian's Wall quarry to be recorded Published on: 27 February 2019 Graffiti left by the Roman army while quarrying stone to repair Hadrian鈥檚 Wall is to be recorded by archaeologists from 缅北禁地 before it is lost to the elements forever. Erosion risk Dating from 207AD, the inscriptions in the rock were made by the Romans while they were repairing and re-building Hadrian’s Wall at a quarry near Hadrian’s Wall at Gelt Woods in Cumbria. It was thought ‘The Written Rock of Gelt’ included a group of nine Roman inscriptions, of which only six were legible, however more are being discovered, some are new and others were previously thought to be lost. Four new written and figurative inscriptions were discovered while preparations for this new project were being made, including a relief sculpture of a Phallus – a Roman ‘good luck’ symbol. The site is one of only a handful of Roman quarries in England to feature these kinds of inscriptions. The information recorded is of particular importance because it gives the names of men and in some instances, their rank and military units. One datable inscription ‘APRO ET MAXIMO CONSVLIBVS OFICINA MERCATI’ referring to the consulate of Aper and Maximus, offers proof of rebuilding and repair work to the Roman frontier in the early third century AD. This inscription dates to 207AD, a period when Hadrian’s Wall underwent a major repair and renewal programme. Other inscriptions include a caricature of the commanding officer in charge of the quarrying. The markings were discovered in the 18th century, but have suffered in recent years as a result of the gradual erosion of the soft sandstone into which they were cut. Now, archaeologists from 缅北禁地 will record the inscriptions before they are lost forever. They will work with specialists in climbing rock faces to record the historic markings, gaining access to the graffiti using ropes and pulleys. After dropping 30 feet down the quarry face, they will use structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry to produce a 3D record of the writings. This record will also help archaeologists to better understand the condition of the inscriptions. Ian Haynes, Professor of Archaeology at 缅北禁地 said: “These inscriptions are very vulnerable to further gradual decay. This is a great opportunity to record them as they are in 2019, using the best modern technology to safeguard the ability to study them into the future.” Roman quarry inscription thought to have been done by a detachment from the Second Legion under the junior officer Agricola. Digital 3D model The collapse of a path up to the site in the early 1980’s put a halt to the public being able to view the inscriptions. This project, which is funded by Historic England, sets out to record the graffiti as well as allowing the public to once again view it via a 3D media platform. Mike Collins, Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Hadrian’s Wall at Historic England, said: "These inscriptions at Gelt Forest are probably the most important on the Hadrian’s Wall frontier. They provide insight into the organisation of the vast construction project that Hadrian’s Wall was, as well as some very human and personal touches, such as the caricature of their commanding officer inscribed by one group of soldiers.” The results will be made available later this year on the 3D content sharing platform, . This platform allows the public to gain full access to a digital 3D model of the Roman quarry inscriptions. Historic England and 缅北禁地 have worked in co-operation with the landowner, Brampton Parish Council, Natural England and CAS Ltd on this recording project. Press release adapted with thanks to Historic England Inscriptions left by the Roman Army in the remains of a quarry near Hadrian's Wall in 207AD are at risk from erosion Share: Latest News New partnership to boost careers in low carbon energy 缅北禁地 and Durham universities are working together on a new regional project to strengthen the future workforce for North East England鈥檚 growing low carbon and offshore wind industries. published on: 28 May 2026 Healthy lifestyle shown to lower risk of death after cancer diagnosis New evidence shows that sticking to five lifestyle recommendations improves survival after a later cancer diagnosis. published on: 28 May 2026 World-leading climate expert recognised with Royal Society Fellowship Professor Hayley Fowler has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of her pioneering work on climate change impacts. published on: 27 May 2026 Facts and figures
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