Excavations at Smallhythe Place in Kent, England, once used for shipbuilding, have delighted archaeologists with evidence of an earlier Roman occupation. Among objects from a 1st-3rd century CE settlement were the head of a terracotta statue of the god Mercury – considered “incredibly rare” by experts.

Mercury was the god of commerce, trade, eloquence, messages and travelers in Roman religion. While he was commonly depicted in metal statues, clay examples are extremely rare – with less than ten found so far across Roman Britain.

Religion played a central role in daily life across most Roman provinces. Both public statues and portable figurines of gods like Mercury found at Smallhythe would have been venerated by both elite Romans and ordinary citizens in their homes.

Terracotta statuettes were produced locally from central Gaul (modern France) and the Rhineland-Mosel region, as well as being imported. While most clay figurines uncovered in Britain depict goddesses, especially Venus.

Mercury head held by National Trust archaeologist Nathalie Cohen
Mercury head held by National Trust archaeologist Nathalie Cohen. Credit: James Dobson / National Trust Images

This complete figure would have shown Mercury standing, wearing a short cloak (chlamys) or nude, carrying his signature caduceus staff entwined with two serpents.

According to Roman pottery expert Matthew Fittock, Few individual heads in clay are known from Britain, some of which may have been votive offerings. Finds like this at Smallhythe provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs and practices of culturally mixed populations in the Roman provinces.

Fittock notes individual figurine pieces are not uncommon Roman excavation finds. However, intact examples and items depicting gods other than goddesses are significantly rarer. This raises the possibility Smallhythe Place and the surrounding area contained a more substantial Roman settlement or religious site than previously thought.

Its discovery adds Mercury to the pantheon of Roman deities represented at the site. Further archaeological investigation may reveal more clues about the Continental trader or resident who likely owned this statuette and how they integrated traditional Greco-Roman religious customs in Britain’s hinterlands. As excavations continue, more vivid details are uncovered about everyday Roman life in this provincial outpost nearly two millennia ago.

Sources

National Trust Registered Charity

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