Ritual Roman bronzes found by detectorists sold for record amount

Two friends - detectorists James Spark and Mark Didlick from York - found the 1,800-year-old Roman treasure in a field near Ryedale in North Yorkshire last May. A unique votive set of bronze busts of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the god Mars on horseback was found along with anotheralong with other items, was auctioned for a sum that exceeded all expectations.

The auction house's representative, Mr Charles Hanson, said the auction had been an extraordinary success, with the artefacts selling for double the price of even the boldest estimates: "It was an honour to auction these fascinating historical objects - antiquities that have remained hidden for over 1,800 years," he said. "It was absolutely unique. Participating in the auction provided an exciting insight into Roman life many centuries ago."

A set of Roman religious artefacts discovered by a pair of detectorists was sold at auction for £185,000 - the equivalent of nearly £5.5 million! The 13cm-high bust of the Roman emperor was originally part of a priest's scepter, like the equestrian statue of the god Mars. The set also included a knife handle in the shape of a horse's head and a large bronze plumb bob/pendulum.

James Spark said they went looking on the first day after the lockdown was released. After a few common small targets, his detector suddenly reported a very strong signal: "We started digging, both of us on our knees, when we came across a bust that seemed to just be laying on the ground looking up at us after almost 2,000 years in the ground," he explained the circumstances of the find to the BBC. He added that the historical value of the find was more important to him than the amount the auction brought in. Still, he was taken aback by the initial valuation, let alone the resulting auction price. "It was shocking, I was stunned. I'm still a little shocked," he said.

Adam Staples - a history expert for Hansons Auctioneers - said the items were probably kept as a votive offering: 'This candle of artefacts was probably a religious offering relating to the closure of a rural shrine or the death of a priest. The artifacts were a set of ritual tools to be used in religious ceremonies and divination of the future."

The hoard was taken to York Museum and recorded through the British Museum's PAS (Portable Aniquities Scheme). Detectorists James Spark and Mark Didlick will split the proceeds of the sale equally with the landowner.

Roman Nemec

Sources: bbc.com, yorkshirepost.co.uk, dailymail.co.uk

James Spark

Mark Didlick