A unique exhibition at Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum is shedding light on the intimate connection between footwear and identity in the ancient Roman world. “Unearthing Vindolanda,” co-curated by Elizabeth Greene, a distinguished archaeologist from Western University, and Barbara Birley of the Vindolanda Trust, presents a remarkable collection of nearly 5,000 shoes excavated from Vindolanda, a Roman fort in Britain. This showcase, running until September 2027, marks the first time these artefacts have been displayed outside Europe.
A Personal Connection to History
The remnants of the Roman Empire still resonate throughout Europe and Western Asia, manifested in ruins, coins, and even roads. Yet, for Greene, the most personal connection lies in the shoes once worn by the inhabitants of this vast empire. “Shoes equal people,” she asserts, emphasising that each pair carries the memory of its wearer. This perspective has shaped Greene’s two-decade-long commitment to studying the rich history of Vindolanda, situated just a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall—the boundary that separated Roman territory from the lands beyond.
The site’s unique wet and anaerobic soil conditions have preserved an extraordinary collection of leather artefacts, making Vindolanda a treasure trove for archaeologists. While other sites in the Roman world, including those in Italy, have yielded little in terms of preserved leather, Vindolanda’s conditions have allowed for the recovery of intact footwear, military gear, and even tent flaps.
Exhibition Highlights: Shoes that Tell Stories
The exhibition features items that reveal not just the functionality of shoes but their societal implications. Visitors are greeted by a 2nd-century shoe designed for a child, a testament to the quality of craftsmanship that suggests even the young were afforded footwear comparable to that of adults of status. “We can understand what it’s like to have a bad pair of shoes, and what it’s like to have a comfortable pair of shoes,” Birley remarked, pointing to the intricate details of the child’s footwear.
Greene’s personal favourite is a woman’s work slipper, elegantly designed yet showing signs of wear, with its cork insole exposed. This particular item offers insight into the production techniques of the time and serves as a reminder of the personal lives of those who walked in these shoes. “The beautiful thing about the Vindolanda collection is that eventually you’re going to find that one,” Greene explained, illustrating the process of piecing together the historical narrative through the discovery of each artefact.
A Community Beyond the Military
While Vindolanda was initially established as a military outpost around 85 AD, it evolved into a vibrant community that included women and children. This narrative challenges the conventional understanding of Roman forts as solely military institutions. Birley, who has been deeply involved with the site for decades, highlights that Vindolanda continued to thrive long after Rome’s military withdrawal from Britain in the 5th century, indicating a complex interplay between Roman soldiers and the local Celtic population that fostered a unique hybrid culture.
The footwear on display reflects adaptations to the local climate, debunking the myth of Roman shoes as merely strappy sandals. Instead, the exhibition presents closed boots and other designs that catered to colder conditions. “It’s a fascinating adaptation that resonates with modern footwear discussions,” noted Elizabeth Semmelhack, director and senior curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.
The Impermanence of Discovery
As the exhibition unfolds, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of these historical artefacts. The ongoing impact of climate change is increasingly threatening the preservation of leather items at Vindolanda. Semmelhack highlighted the urgency of excavating the site, as deteriorating conditions may hinder future discoveries. “They’ve been working for decades, but only a portion of the fort has been excavated,” she cautioned, underscoring the race against time to uncover and preserve what remains.
Why it Matters
The “Unearthing Vindolanda” exhibition is not merely about shoes; it is a gateway to understanding the lives of those who inhabited the Roman Empire’s periphery. As visitors engage with these artefacts, they are invited to reflect on the complexities of identity, community, and adaptation in a historical context that resonates even today. This exhibition reinforces the importance of preserving cultural heritage while highlighting the shared experiences that connect us across time and space. By recognising the significance of these ancient shoes, we acknowledge the stories of the people who wore them, reminding us that history is not just a series of events but a tapestry woven from the lives of individuals.
