Scientists have made an intriguing discovery in ancient Roman ruins: a peculiar object that is believed to be a 2,000-year-old dildo.
The find has captured the public's attention on social media, sparking heated discussions.
It is a small object, about seven inches long, that they discovered in a ditch. However, they are not entirely sure what it was used for in the past.
They have come up with different ideas and theories about its purpose, but none of them can be confirmed.
The artifact was found alongside other objects like shoes and small tools, which has led some experts to believe that it might have been a sewing tool.
One suggestion is that it may have been a good luck charm, used to ward off evil spirits. Another theory proposes that it was possibly used as a sex toy.
Researchers from Newcastle University and University College Dublin conducted an analysis, revealing that this wooden phallus is the first known disembodied example of its kind found in the Roman world.
However, due to its wooden composition and size, the exact purpose of the object remains uncertain.
Rob Collins, an archaeologist and co-author of the study, acknowledges the challenges in definitively determining its use.
He explains, "The size of the phallus and the fact that it was carved from wood raises some questions about its use in antiquity. We cannot be certain of its intended use, unlike most other phallic objects that have a clear symbolic function, such as being used as a good luck charm. This object from Vindolanda could be an example of one."
Currently, the artifact is on display at the Vindolanda Museum in England, providing visitors with a glimpse into the intriguing and sometimes enigmatic aspects of ancient Roman life.
They have uncovered the world's oldest lipstick.
The ancient lipstick was discovered in southeastern Iran and is a hand-carved stone vial made of chlorite. It dates back to the Bronze Age, specifically between 1936 B.C. and 1687 B.C.
The lipstick container resembles a smaller version of modern cylindrical cases and measures approximately 2 inches in height and three-quarters of an inch in width.
It is skillfully crafted, mimicking the appearance of a segment of a marsh cane. The prestigious stone used adds to its craftsmanship.
Discovered near the Halil River in the Kerman province of southeastern Iran in 2001, the cylinder was found after flooding of a third-millennium B.C. graveyard.
Through detailed analysis, researchers have determined that the ancient lipstick was likely in powder form due to over 3,700 years of dehydration.
Microscopic examination revealed dark pigments, indicating that the original product had a vibrant red color.
The composition of the lipstick includes components similar to modern cosmetic lipwear, including vegetable oil, wax, and the mineral hematite, known for its red hue.
The researchers speculate that the lipstick may have been used during funeral rituals of the Jiroft culture, an ancient Bronze Age civilization.
