The graffiti from A.D. 207 was discovered at a quarry near Hadrian’s Wall by archaeologists from the University of Newcastle.
Hadrian’s Wall, designed to “separate the barbarians from the Romans,” was undergoing extensive renovations during the time the newly-discovered carvings were fashioned. A number of other phallic symbols invoking Fortuna’s charms can be found scattered among sections of the defense.
These are also a common sight on Pompei’s walls.Ancient Romans drew penises because they were thought to be bringers of fertility and prosperity, but sometimes it was also done for humor.
