A Rare Roman Phallus That May Have Been Used To Ward Off Evil Spirits Was Just Found In A Dutch Museum
Measuring eight inches long and dating back at least 1,800 years, this Roman phallus is extremely rare in that it's made from bone, as opposed to metal or stone.
Province of GelderlandThough phalluses were depicted often in ancient Rome, it’s rare to find one carved from bone.
For decades, thousands of boxes of archaeological treasures have sat unopened in the Netherlands. Now, experts have started to sort through them. They’ve made some incredible finds, but perhaps the most remarkable object they’ve documented so far is an ancient Roman phallus carving.
The Roman phallus, rare in that it’s made from bone, is just one of the incredible discoveries that researchers have made so far. And with more than 15,000 other boxes to unpack, there’s sure to be many more treasures to come.
The Ancient Roman Phallus Made Of Bone That Was Found In Gelderland
According to a statement from the Valkhof Museum in the Dutch city of Nijmegen, the Roman phallus was found during a larger project to unpack 16,000 boxes of archaeological finds that have accumulated over the past 70 years. The first boxes contained Roman-era objects that were excavated near Canisius College, a former school in the Nijmegen-Oost neighborhood, which are estimated to be between 1,800 and 2,000 years old.
Province of GelderlandA collection of Roman objects, including the phallus, which were found in some of the first boxes opened by researchers at the Valkhof Museum.
Of these, the Roman bone phallus certainly stands out, but not because of the design itself. Phallic imagery was commonly found in ancient Rome, and phalluses could represent good luck, protection, and virility.
“Romans felt no shame regarding genitals,” said Ilse Schuuring, an archaeologist for the Province of Gelderland. “Images of them were common, for example as amulets. It symbolizes fertility. Images of them were also hung near doorways to ward off evil spirits.”
Rather, it’s the material of this nearly eight-inch phallus that makes it a rare find. While carved Roman phalluses have been found across Europe, it’s highly unusual to find one made of organic material. Most are made of inorganic material like metal or stone — though one found in England in 2023 was made of wood — but this phallus made of bone stands apart.
And it’s just one of the incredible relics that archaeologists have unboxed so far.
Other Roman Artifacts Revealed By The Valkhof Museum
In addition to the Roman bone phallus, researchers also documented a number of other remarkable objects, including a number of well-preserved orange-red cups and bowls from about 2,000 years ago.
“It is a luxury earthenware service,” Schuuring explained. “You can tell by the technique used, where the Romans pressed patterns into the pottery with a mold. On the service, for example, you see deer leaping through a forest… it is still virtually intact; you could eat from it straight away.”
Museum workers also unboxed a Roman drinking cup with a smiling face on it that was found near a Roman army camp.
“This cheerful cup lay for decades in a sealed box in a dark warehouse,” the museum noted, “but will undoubtedly soon find a nice spot in a museum.”
Valkhof Museum/FacebookAnother one of the archaeological treasures that was found in the boxes was this Roman cup with a smiling face on it.
Indeed, these objects represent just a small sample of the archaeological treasures in this vast collection of boxes, 300 of which have been opened, and 15,700 of which remain in need of documentation. The Valkhof Museum has been tasked with unpacking, labeling, and repacking the objects, a process that is estimated to take six years.
Though somewhat of a herculean undertaking, the project to unbox and document the objects has been incredibly gratifying so far. For as many as 70 years, these objects have been tucked away in the dark, ignored and forgotten. Yet they tell a remarkable story about the Roman history of the Dutch province of Gelderland, and researchers and city administrators are eager to see what other objects they will uncover over the next several years.
“This is proving to be an enormous treasure trove,” said Provincial Executive Member Peter Drenth. “These first boxes alone show how rich and diverse Roman life in Gelderland was. In the coming years, we will discover what the remaining 15,700 boxes tell us about the history of Gelderland.”
After reading about the boxes of Roman artifacts that were uncovered by a museum in the Netherlands, look through these surprisingly raunchy images from medieval manuscripts. Then, discover the history of Shunga, Japanese erotic art, with this collestunning images.ction of
The Untapped Bounty: Unlocking the Nutritional Riches of Acorns
In the tapestry of autumn’s bounty, amidst the vibrant hues of falling leaves, lies a humble, often overlooked treasure: the acorn. This modest nut, the fruit of the majestic oak tree, has nourished a wide array of creatures and cultures throughout history. Yet, in modern times, its value has been largely forgotten, overshadowed by more conventional food sources. This article aims to rediscover the acorn’s potential, not only as a sustainable food source but as a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits. As we delve into the world of acorns, we uncover the secrets to transforming these nuts into a palatable delight, along with exploring the myriad benefits they offer. Embracing acorns in our diet is not merely a nod to our foraging ancestors but a step forward in our journey towards sustainable living and nutritional wellness.
The Nutritional and Health Benefits of Acorns
Acorns are more than just a survival food; they are a testament to nature’s abundance, offering a wealth of health benefits that deserve recognition. Here is a comprehensive list of the many virtues these nuts hold:
Rich Nutrient Profile: Acorns are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, which are vital for immune function and skin health, respectively. They also offer a good dose of B vitamins, crucial for energy metabolism and brain health.
Mineral-Rich: These nuts are a source of important minerals such as potassium, which regulates blood pressure; calcium, essential for bone health; and magnesium, necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
High in Fiber: With a high fiber content, acorns can aid in digestion, helping to prevent constipation and promoting a healthy gut. Fiber is also key for maintaining a healthy weight and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidant Properties: Acorns contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Heart Health: The unsaturated fats in acorns can contribute to a healthy heart by lowering bad cholesterol levels and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Acorn flour offers a gluten-free alternative for baking and cooking, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Energy Boosting: Being energy-dense, acorns can provide a sustained release of energy, making them an excellent addition to an active lifestyle.
Sustainable Food Source: Foraging for acorns encourages a connection with nature and promotes a sustainable approach to food, reducing reliance on processed and imported goods.
Cultural and Historical Significance: Incorporating acorns into modern diets honors the traditions of many indigenous and ancient cultures for whom acorns were a staple food, fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural world and its history.
Versatile Culinary Uses: From flours to oils, acorns offer a versatile base for a variety of culinary creations, enabling the exploration of new flavors and textures in cooking and baking.
Economic Advantage: Foraging acorns can offer economic benefits, reducing grocery bills and fostering self-sufficiency.
Weight Management: The combination of fiber, healthy fats, and protein in acorns can help in feeling fuller longer, aiding in weight management efforts.
The benefits of acorns extend far beyond their nutritional value, encompassing environmental sustainability, economic savings, and a reconnection with nature’s rhythms. As we turn to the practical aspects of harvesting and preparing acorns, we embark on a journey not just to rediscover an ancient food source but to embrace a lifestyle that values the bounty nature provides. Stay tuned for the next segment, where we will explore how to unlock the edible potential of acorns, ensuring they can be enjoyed safely and deliciously.
Harvesting and Selecting Acorns
The first step in utilizing acorns is gathering them, a task best undertaken in the early autumn when they are ripe and plentiful. Look for acorns that are firm, without any holes or cracks, as these imperfections may indicate the presence of insects or rot. Green acorns are immature and should be left to ripen, while those that are brown and detach easily from their caps are ready for use. It’s a sustainable practice to gather from the ground, leaving enough acorns for wildlife and the regeneration of the oak forest.
Processing Acorns to Remove Tannins
Shelling: Begin by removing the acorns from their shells. This can be done manually or with the aid of a nutcracker. It’s a labor-intensive step but crucial for accessing the nut meat within.
Leaching Out the Tannins: The most critical step in making acorns edible is leaching out the tannins, which are compounds that give raw acorns their bitter taste and can be harmful in large quantities. There are two primary methods for leaching: cold and hot leaching.
Cold Leaching: This method involves soaking the shelled acorns in cold water. The water should be changed when it becomes discolored, approximately every 12 to 24 hours, until the water remains clear, indicating that the tannins have been removed. This process can take several days to a week, depending on the acorn variety.
Hot Leaching: Hot leaching is faster than cold leaching but requires more active management. Boil the acorns in water, and change the water when it turns dark, repeating this process until the water remains mostly clear. This method can remove the tannins in a matter of hours.
Drying: After leaching, the acorns need to be dried to prevent mold and prepare them for grinding. Spread the acorns on a baking sheet and dry them in an oven at a low temperature, in a dehydrator, or air-dry them in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
Making Acorn Flour
Once dried, the acorns can be ground into flour using a food processor, blender, or hand grinder. The resulting flour should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or frozen for extended storage. Acorn flour can be used as a substitute for traditional flours in baking, offering a nutty flavor and nutritional boost to bread, pancakes, and other baked goods.
Incorporating acorns into our diets is a journey back to the roots of human sustenance, a nod to the wisdom of our ancestors who relied on the natural world for their dietary needs. This journey is not just about adding a new ingredient to our pantry but about embracing a deeper connection with nature, understanding the cycles of growth and renewal, and appreciating the abundance that surrounds us. As we integrate acorns into our meals, we partake in a tradition that spans centuries and cultures, celebrating the oak tree’s gift and its enduring significance to both the environment and our health. Let the humble acorn inspire you to explore, innovate, and appreciate the simple, yet profound, pleasures of foraging and feasting from the land.
