Ancient Phallic Graffiti Wasn’t For Laughs
A very familiar symbol has been discovered near Hadrian’s Wall (aka Hadrian’s Wall) in Cumbria, England—only this one dates back to 207 AD. The penis-shaped drawing isn’t just juvenile scribbling, however. According to archeologists from Newcastle University, these images are common and used to adorn doorways, walls and jewelry during the Roman Era (753 BC to 476 AD) and symbolized good fortune—and power. “Phallus graffiti, while amusing now perhaps, could have been seen as threatening 1,800 years ago” says Olivia Goldhill at Quartz. Read more there.
Via qz.com link opens in a new window
