A 2,000-year-old Roman leather shoe has been discovered near the ancient site of Magna, a Roman fort built around 112 AD along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.
The shoe, believed to belong to a Roman soldier with exceptionally large feet, was pulled from a waterlogged ditch known as an “ankle-breaker” a deep trench meant to trap enemies trying to cross into the fort.
Measuring 12.6 inches from toe to heel, the sole matches a modern UK men’s size 13. Its size and condition amazed the team working on the excavation.
Along with the shoe, archaeologists also found pottery, small items, and two more Roman leather shoes that had survived nearly intact.
Senior archaeologist Rachel Frame shared updates through the project’s diary. She said the discovery gave experts an opportunity to study Roman shoe-making methods in detail.
“This gives us a really good look at how Roman shoes were made: multiple layers of leather were used to form the sole, held together with thongs, stitching and hobnails. These also reinforced the outer surface for walking and are found on many styles of shoe”
Rachel Frame, Senior Archaeologist
Another shoe found during the dig had its full sole intact, including the heel area and hobnails. The toe was missing, but the overall size suggested it was made for someone with big feet.
The team plans to expand their search inside the fort for more historical items. The discovery caused quite a stir at the dig site, with volunteers and archaeologists reacting in awe as the leather shoe was unearthed.
