Archaeologists in northern England have uncovered a massive leather shoe dating back nearly 2,000 years, sparking interest in the possible presence of Roman warriors of exceptional size.
The discovery was made at Magna, an ancient Roman fort situated along Hadrian’s Wall. Measuring 12.6 inches (32 centimeters) in length – roughly a modern US men’s size 14, UK size 13, or European size 49 – the shoe is among the largest ever found at the site. Researchers believe it may have belonged to one of the tallest Roman warriors stationed in Britain.
The massive shoe was found at the bottom of a deep, narrow trench outside the fort’s northern edge. Known as an “ankle-breaker,” the trench was designed to injure and trap advancing enemies, especially when concealed by water. The airless, wet conditions helped preserve the leather for centuries.
Rachel Frame, senior archaeologist for the Magna Project, wrote, “Could this one be the largest in the Vindolanda Trust collection? We certainly look forward to finding out!”
Magna – also known as Carvoran – is one of several Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall, built around A.D. 122 to mark the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. The site lies about 7 miles (11 kilometers) west of Vindolanda, a better-known Roman fort renowned for its collection of preserved artifacts, including writing tablets, armor, and footwear.
#RomanFortThursday
Carvoran Roman Fort is located behind the Roman Army Museum, the fort is “visible “to the south. It is about 3 miles west of Great Chesters and 3 miles east of Birdoswald. The fort is incorporated into both the Stanegate and Hadrian’s Wall. #RomanArchaeology pic.twitter.com/LTxOKHXrxJ— Jon Hawke
(@HawkeJon) March 2, 2023
Excavations at Magna began in late March, with teams focusing on the outer defenses, including ramparts, ditches, and banks. Alongside the oversized shoe, archaeologists uncovered two additional leather shoes and scraps of leather. Two of the shoes, discovered on May 21, were in notably good condition.
One shoe retained part of its heel and hobnails on the sole. According to Frame, the finds reveal key details about Roman shoe-making techniques. Soles were crafted from multiple layers of leather, held together with stitching, leather thongs, and hobnails. The front section of one shoe was missing, preventing a precise size estimate.
Experts say the discovery not only highlights Roman craftsmanship but may also reflect the diversity of soldiers posted along the empire’s edge. The unusually large shoe raises questions about the identity and role of the person who wore it.
The leather items will now undergo specialist analysis to uncover more about the individuals who once inhabited Magna. Encouraged by the discovery, the team plans to expand their excavation to the interior of the fort, where they hope to find remains of timber buildings and additional signs of Roman military life.
