Chapter 1: The Discovery

Heavy rainfall in Spain has led to the uncovering of an ancient bas-relief from Roman times, showcasing symbols intended to bring good fortune. Among these is a prominent depiction of a phallus.

Tossal de La Cala — [Photo: Francisco Nicolás Mercader Román, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

Located in modern Benidorm, Spain, Tossal de La Cala is a Roman fort dating back to the 1st century BC. Constructed in 77 BC, it served as a watchtower to alert nearby towns of potential sea invasions. The torrential rains of 2020 proved to be a boon for local archaeologists, as they unearthed an ancient relief that once adorned this fortification.

Researchers withheld the announcement of their find for three years to ensure the site was protected from unauthorized visitors. Further excavations were subsequently conducted to locate additional remnants of Roman art from the Republican era.

In a statement, archaeologists from the University of Alicante noted that the bas-relief measures 57 by 42 cm and includes a human face, a phallus, and a cornucopia. They believe this may be just a fragment of a more extensive sculpture originally carved into the rock.

“The combination of these three elements is remarkably unique. We have not encountered a similar sculpture or engraving in any Roman-occupied areas before,” remarked Ana Pellicer, a councilor for historical and cultural heritage in Benidorm.

“Both the cornucopia and the phallus were historically regarded as symbols or talismans of luck, protection, and prosperity,” explained Katherine Halcrow, an archaeologist at the University of Oxford who was not part of the research. “Specifically, the phallus served as an apotropaic symbol, intended to ward off evil from the site and its inhabitants,” she added.

Chapter 2: A Cultural Symbol

According to Halcrow, the positioning of the human face in the sculpture, which gazes directly ahead, was a conscious decision by the artist. The portrayal of the human figure facing forward was likely intended to convey a sense of “dominance,” thereby enhancing its protective symbolism.

In August 2022, Spanish archaeologists reported the discovery of another significant relief featuring a phallus at the El Higuerón archaeological site in southern Spain. This large phallic monument was part of a mysterious tower constructed by the ancient Romans. At that time, researchers recognized it as one of the largest and best-preserved phallic sculptures from the Roman Empire.

The significance of the phallic image in Roman culture was profound. Historical and archaeological evidence indicates that artwork depicting phalluses was prevalent in both public and private spaces. They were commonly painted on walls and crafted into mosaics, sculptures, and frescoes. The ancient Romans held the belief that a man's phallus symbolized good fortune.

As a result, young boys often received phallic amulets known as fascinum as gifts, intended to provide protection and safeguard the owner from malevolent forces. Phalluses were even illustrated by enthusiastic supporters who wished to show their allegiance to their favorite gladiators.

Interestingly, some cultures today still regard phallic shapes as auspicious. In Bhutan, often referred to as the "luckiest country in the world," homes and temples are adorned with paintings of “winged” penises. Bhutanese people believe these artworks ensure prosperity and good fortune while warding off evil.

Chapter 3: Ancient Figurines Unearthed

Archaeologists have discovered five clay figurines representing women, believed to belong to the Cucuteni-Trypole culture…

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