Archaeologists at the Roman fort of Magna in Britain have uncovered giant shoes that shed light on the physical characteristics of its inhabitants in Roman times. The 32-centimeter shoes, equivalent to a European size 49/50, are significantly larger than average shoes found elsewhere in Roman Britain.
The discovery was made by charity Vindoland at the Roman Army Museum in Northumberland. Among the first finds were eight shoes over 30 centimeters long, including one record-breaking specimen of 32.6 centimeters. This is surprising, considering that only a small percentage of shoes from other Roman sites reach this size.
Experts speculate about the ownership and purpose of these massive shoes. Were they worn by soldiers from regions with higher average heights? Or do they reflect adaptations for specific activities or ranks within the fort?
The findings suggest that the inhabitants of Magna had significantly different physical characteristics than those found elsewhere in Roman Britain. This challenges the idea of a homogeneous population.
The team also discovered children’s shoes and other items that provide insight into daily life in the castle. Every artifact, from sandals to hiking boots, offers a connection to those who wore them. However, climate change is threatening these fragile finds, emphasizing the need for urgent documentation before they are degraded by humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Source: https://www.koha.net/en/kulture/kepucet-gjigante-zbardhin-deshmi-dy-mije-vjet-te-vjetra