2,000-year-old giant leather shoe reveals shocking secret

Found at a Roman fort in England, this 2,000-year-old leather shoe reveals surprising secrets about Roman soldiers.

Archaeologists have found a giant leather shoe during excavations in a defensive moat at a Roman fort in northern England, shedding light on the lives of Roman soldiers. Photo: Vindolanda Trust.

In particular, shoes and other leather artifacts from the fort, known as Magna, provide new information about shoemaking techniques and the people who brought them to what is now Britain nearly 2,000 years ago. Photo: Vindolanda Trust.

Following the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, built around AD 122 to mark the northern boundary of the Roman Empire, the Roman army took over and expanded small forts in Britain. Magna, also known as Carvoran, was part of a chain of forts along Hadrian’s Wall. Photo: Vindolanda Trust.

In March 2025, archaeologists began excavating the defensive moat at Magna Fortress. Among the artifacts found at the site were three shoes and pieces of leather. Photo: Magna Project.

Two of the shoes discovered on May 21, 2025, were still in good condition. One shoe had a partial heel and studs on the sole. Photo: Vindolanda Trust/Magna Project.

The discovery provides evidence of how ancient Romans made shoes. They used multiple layers of leather to make soles, held together by laces, stitches and rivets. Because the toe cap is missing, it is impossible to estimate the size. Photo: Getty.

The second shoe was still intact and left everyone amazed. The sole was 32cm long, equivalent to a US size 14 or UK size 13 men's shoe today. Photo: Getty.

The man wearing this “giant” shoe was a huge man. This Roman soldier lived and fought at the Magna fortress about 2,000 years ago. Photo: Getty.

Readers are invited to watch the video : Revealing lost civilizations through archaeological remains.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/chiec-giay-da-khong-lo-2000-tuoi-he-lo-bi-mat-dong-troi-post1548345.html