Ancient Discovery Sheds Light on Roman Britain
A remarkable discovery in the southwest of England has archaeologists and history enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. An amateur treasure hunter, Jason Massey, has unearthed a stunning 1,800-year-old Roman gold signet ring in a field near Crewkerne, Somerset. This find is being hailed as one of the most significant Roman-era discoveries in the region in recent years.
A Golden Surprise
Massey, a member of the Detecting for Veterans group, was exploring a site already under investigation by local archaeologists when his metal detector signaled a promising find. Initially believing he had discovered his first gold coin, Massey was astonished to uncover a weighty gold ring instead.
The ring, weighing an impressive 48 grams (1.7 oz), features an engraving of Victoria (or Nike), the ancient goddess of victory. Experts date the artifact to between 200 and 300 AD, placing it firmly in the heart of Roman Britain’s history.
More Than Just a Ring
This discovery is part of a larger archaeological treasure trove at the site. Massey and his fellow detectorists have previously uncovered:
- Over 60 Roman coins
- A Roman grave containing a lead-lined coffin
- More than 250 additional coins dated to around 400 AD
These findings have led experts to speculate that the area may have once been home to a “very high-status Roman villa.”
Significance of the Find
Ciorstaidh Hayward-Trevarthen, finds liaison officer for South West Heritage Trust, emphasized the rarity and importance of the ring: “There are a couple of gold rings of that sort of date from Somerset, but they’re not common. Gold is an indication that the owner was fairly wealthy.”
Somerset: A Hotspot for Treasure Hunters
This latest discovery adds to Somerset’s reputation as a treasure-rich county. In 2016, 37 cases of treasure were reported in Somerset, placing it among England’s top 10 local authority areas for such finds. The county has also yielded six out of the approximately 200 Roman lead coffins found across the UK.
The Value of Amateur Archaeologists
The story of Jason Massey’s find highlights the crucial role that amateur treasure hunters and detectorists play in uncovering our shared history. Their dedication and careful searching often bring to light artifacts that might otherwise remain hidden for centuries more.
As investigations continue at the Crewkerne site, archaeologists and historians eagerly anticipate what other secrets this ancient Roman settlement might reveal about life in Britain nearly two millennia ago.
