Ancient Roman treasures surfaced in the most unexpected places, from farmers’ fields to construction sites. Let’s take a trip back in time and explore these ten rare treasures. Some are worth millions, while others are priceless for the stories they can tell us about the bygone days. Ready to explore 10 of the most impressive Roman treasures ever found?
Suffolk’s Golden Surprise
A farmer in Suffolk, England, lost his hammer. His friend, using a metal detector to find it, instead uncovered one of the most giant Roman finds ever. The 1992 Hoxne Hoard, packed with nearly 15,000 coins, jewelry, and tableware, shows the lavish lifestyle just before the empire fell, helping us understand what life was like during those final years of the empire.
The Trier Gold Hoard
The uncertainty of the late Roman period, from the 3rd to 5th centuries AD, was marked by frequent barbarian invasions, political instability, and economic decline, which had people hide their treasures for safekeeping. Construction workers in Trier, Germany, struck gold in 1993. They unearthed a significant Roman gold coin hoard, the Trier Gold Hoard, which consists of about 2,650 coins weighing 18.5 kilograms.
Artemis and the Stag Sculpture
Sometimes, beauty outshines gold, and the Artemis and the Stag sculpture in Rome in the 1920s proves this point. This bronze artwork shows the goddess of the hunt with her sacred animal. Its fine craftsmanship led to a $28.6 million auction sale in 2007, making it one of the most valuable ancient artworks ever sold.
The Crosby Garrett Helmet
A hobby metal detectorist in Cumbria, UK, found something straight out of a history book in 2010. The Crosby Garrett Helmet, a beautifully decorated Roman cavalry parade helmet, emerged from the soil after nearly 2,000 years. This stunning discovery gave us a rare and breathtaking glimpse into the past, proving that history still has plenty of surprises in store.
The Mildenhall Treasure
During World War II, a farmer plowing his field in Suffolk made a discovery that would excite any antique collector. Comprising 34 pieces of Roman silverware, including the stunning Great Dish, the Mildenhall Treasure is a remarkable find. After its discovery, the treasure became the center of a legal dispute, eventually leading to its acquisition by the British Museum.
Treasure of Tomares
Construction workers near Seville, Spain, found 19 Roman amphorae filled with bronze coins in 2016. Over 53,000 coins dating back to the 4th century AD make up the massive haul known as the Treasure of Tomares. Experts believe this treasure may have been part of a tax collection or army payroll.
The Beau Street Hoard
Archaeologists in Bath, UK, made a surprising discovery in 2007. During a routine dig, they unearthed the Beau Street Hoard, containing more than 17,500 Roman coins. The coins’ excellent preservation has allowed researchers to study their wear patterns and chemical composition.
Wiltshire’s Wealth of Coins
Metal detectorists stumbled upon the UK’s most significant Roman coin hoard in 1978. Cunetio Hoard, discovered in Wiltshire, contained nearly 55,000 coins. Apart from its value, the massive find helps historians understand currency and trade in Roman Britain.
The Thetford Treasure
This is one of the most incredible Roman treasures ever found! A metal detectorist in Norfolk, UK, unearthed the Thetford Treasure in 1979. Roman craftsmen in Britain made the beautiful jewelry and detailed spoons of the Thetford Treasure. It is now kept in the British Museum.
The Barbarian Treasure of Rülzheim
In 2014, an illegal excavation near Rülzheim, Germany, revealed a cache of Roman objects, including a rare silver folding chair. This unique find, dubbed the Barbarian Treasure, raises questions about the interaction between Romans and local tribes during the empire’s decline.
