AN ancient pot proudly decorated with todgers and used by Roman soldiers for bawdy banter has been dug up by builders.

       The 1,900-year-old vessel, showing a chariot being pulled by four large phalluses, was identified by archaeologists at a new housing site.

       An ancient pot proudly decorated with todgers and used by Roman soldiers for bawdy banter has been dug up by builders

       Experts reckon the jug was designed as a joke in the second century for soldiers’ fireside amusement.

       The Roman Empire was the dominant military force at the time and cocksure legionaries used the penis as a symbol of strength, fertility and good fortune.

       Imogen Gunn, of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge, said the vessels were intended to be funny.

       She said: “Phallic imagery was associated with good luck in the Roman world, which archaeologists certainly benefitted from when they discovered the remains of this vessel.”

       The beaker was discovered in Kelvedon, Essex, while the ground was being prepared.

       The village — previously known as Canonium — was at the centre of several second century Roman towns connected by rivers and roads.

       The artefact will be presented to Braintree Museum later this year.

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       The 1,900-year-old vessel, showing a chariot being pulled by four large phalluses, was identified by archaeologists at a new housing site,

       Phillip Wright, of homebuilder CALA Homes, which is behind the 238-home Aylett’s Green development, said: “Kelvedon is an ideal location for people wanting the best of both worlds - a village location boasting swathes of countryside, but one which also benefits from excellent amenities and connections for commuters.

       “The dig’s findings demonstrate that was very much the case for the Romans, too - with accessible links to nearby Roman towns.”

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