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Archaeologists discover 6-inch stone penis in Spain used to sharpen weapons 500 years ago
- A stone penis may have been used during a conflict during a rebellion in the 14th century
- Historically, phallic charms have been widely used to protect people from evil
- Penises have been found on furniture, sidewalks, and even baby necklaces
A six-inch penis is probably the last thing on your mind when you look back at medieval history.
But archaeologists have made a bizarre discovery after stumbling across a phallic artifact with potentially violent purposes.
The mysterious penis was unearthed in the medieval tower of Meira in Ría de Vigo, Spain, by a team of experts who believe it is about 500 years old.
While initially puzzled by its purpose, researchers at Arbore Arqueoloxía believe the penis may be something much more brutal than you might expect.
It turns out that this item may have been used as a weapon sharpening stone during a rebellion in the 14th century.
A six-inch stone penis may have been used during a conflict during a rebellion in the 14th century
“We can find this type of rendering as far back as the oldest prehistoric times, but they are not common in medieval contexts,” said a spokesman for Arbore Arqueoloxía.
‘The meaning differs per culture and depends on the context. Far from being an offensive or obscene element, these representations in Roman times did not have the exclusively erotic connotation that some today erroneously attribute to them.’
Throughout history, phallic emblems have been found on a wide variety of objects, from decorative furniture in homes to prints on the walls.
Many once believed the symbol acted as protection against evil — with babies even wearing penises around their necks for good luck, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The phallus was an object of veneration and received a magical-religious cult.
“The phallic symbol appears on lamps, masks, pendants and rings, walls of houses, pavement of a street, corners, balconies, doors, baths or walls. Always maintaining his character as a collective protector against possible evil and danger.’
Historically, phallic charms were widely used as magical protection against evil forces
The mysterious penis was unearthed in the medieval tower of Meira in Ría de Vigo, Spain
In the past, penises have been found on furniture, sidewalks, and even baby necklaces
Experts believe that this particular penis was used to sharpen weapons based on the history of the Tower of Meira.
The site was partially destroyed in the mid-15th century when citizens revolted against the ruling class.
The spokesman continued: ‘It arises since the symbolic association between masculinity, violence and guns.
“It is present in different cultures and through time, it even reaches our days.
“A more detailed analysis of the object’s material and traces of use allows us to interpret it as a sharpening stone, possibly for sharpening weapons.”
Now the team is investigating this site further to find out if it really was a simple watchtower or something else.
On May 30, they found the remains of what appeared to be packaging from 1976 – but nothing medieval.
The spokesman said: ‘Are we digging a simple watchtower or was it really a small castle with permanent residence?’