Roman treasure with 44 jewels and 33 silver spoons

A wonderful discovery was made 42 years ago by metal detector prospectors in Norfolk, UK. They discovered a Roman treasure, which included a gold engraving of a dancing Satyr and thirty silver spoons. Now the beautiful finds are being returned to the "place" where they were found.

The treasure was discovered in November 1979 by metal detectorists Arthur and Greta Brooks. But they broke the law at the time, which required them to report the find so that a proper archaeological survey of the site could be carried out. But the couple kept the treasure quiet. Eventually, however, news of the discovery of the gold jewellery and silver spoons spread. The treasure was acquired by the British Museum.

The treasure is now on display in Norfolk just a short distance from where the prospectors discovered it 42 years ago. The hoard included 44 jewels and 33 silver spoons dating back to the fourth century. The Ancient House Museum is showing just a few of the items, which were selected by director Oliver Bone himself. The exhibition will run for a year and is called "11 of the best and most interesting objects".

The most notable items are undoubtedly the gold pin with the dancing Satyr. In Greek mythology, the son of the god Hermes or Silenus. Satyrs are classified as demigods, but more likely as mountain and forest demons. They are attendants of the god of wine, Dionysus, and are also in the retinue of the god Pan.

Another beautiful piece of jewelry is a gaudy white ring or necklace. The silver wrought spoons are also interesting. Bone said the treasure is probably related to the cult of the Roman fertility deity, protector of fields and flocks. He was called Faun. According to the more famous Roman poet Vergil, Faun was the father of King Latinus.

"The discovery of this treasure really surprised archaeologists at the time. It dates back to 390 AD, when Britain was officially Christian. The depot was probably buried as an offering to the gods because there were other buried piles of objects nearby. For example, the iron things at Kilverstone," Bone mentioned.

This is far from the only treasure that metal detectorists have found in Norfolk. Twelve years ago, searchers from the US even paid £2,200 to go through a field in Norfolk with metal detectors. They discovered a Viking pendant made up of two hammers of the god Thor. We wrote about it here: The £2,200 search

Sources: www.bbc.com