Roman fort 'Tossal de La Cala'

Among the impressive remains of the ancient Roman fort 'Tossal de La Cala' in Spain, archaeologists from the University of Alicante have found echoes of its former inhabitants.

Excavations at the fort have revealed three carvings in the rock ~ a face, a phallus, and a cornucopia.

Archaeologists believe that the three carvings are around 2,000 years old.

They measure 57 by 42 centimeters, but may have once been part of something much larger.

The archaeologists are unsure if the carvings were simply graffiti left by a bored soldier, or if they had some kind of ritualistic significance.

Phallic imagery played an important role in ancient Roman culture.

They could be used to signify fertility, power, and good luck and could also be used as protection against the “evil eye.”

Because of this protective element, Romans sometimes wore phallic amulets, hung phalluses over their doorways, or incorporated them into art like frescoes.

Likewise, the cornucopia symbol, a horn-shaped basket overflowing with fruit, vegetables, and drinks, held ritualistic significance for ancient Romans, symbolising abundance and prosperity.

The phallus and cornucopia, together with the face, have led some to speculate that the three carvings may symbolize a Roman god or goddess.

Priapus, the Greek god of fertility, is often depicted with a cornucopia and a large phallus.

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The Cornucopia on the left, the face in the middle, and phallus on the right, discovered at the Roman fort 'Tossal de La Cala' in Spain.

University of Alicante