1,800-Year-Old Gold Ring and Ancient Settlements Unearthed in Brittany!
Archaeologists in Pacé, Brittany, have made a fascinating discovery – a stunning 1,800-year-old gold ring depicting Venus Victrix, the Roman goddess of victory. This remarkable find, announced by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), was part of a wide-ranging excavation that also uncovered evidence of settlements spanning from the Late Bronze Age to the medieval period.
Photo Credit: Emmanuelle Ah Thon, Inrap
A Treasure from the Roman Era
The Roman gold ring, dated to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship. It boasts a finely detailed mount and features an intaglio – a gemstone with a carved design – made of nicolo, a bluish onyx layered over a black base. The gemstone’s engraving portrays Venus Victrix, a symbol of beauty and strength. Jewellery like this wasn’t just decorative; it often doubled as a seal, highlighting the wearer’s status and holding spiritual significance for Roman elites.
The ring was discovered alongside a Roman road built between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE. This well-preserved road, constructed with quartz gravel and bordered by ditches, still shows wheel ruts, a testament to its frequent use. Roads like these were essential for trade and served as lifelines connecting rural settlements to bustling urban centres. INRAP suggests that this road likely catered to a nearby Roman settlement active during the same period.
Photo Credit: Emmanuelle Collado, Inrap
Tracing the Medieval Past
Not far from the Roman road, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a medieval hamlet, active between the 5th and 10th centuries. The settlement was organised into quadrangular plots linked by pathways and included homes, pastures, farmland, and grain silos. The buildings, constructed using wood, earth, and plant-based roofing, provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval construction techniques.
Among the most striking finds was a collection of a dozen silver coins from the Carolingian period, dating to the 9th or 10th century. These coins, in pristine condition, may have been hidden during the Viking Age when the Carolingian Empire faced relentless Viking incursions. Although the settlement was abandoned by the 10th century, it remains unclear if Viking activity directly contributed to this.
Photo Credit: Coline Herbert, Inrap
Echoes of Earlier Eras
The site also revealed layers of history stretching back to earlier periods. In the northern section, archaeologists found pits containing Late Bronze Age pottery fragments and terracotta moulds for bronze production. These moulds, likely used to craft weapons such as swords, hint at the presence of a workshop that has yet to be uncovered. In another area, a pair of small enclosures were unearthed, one of which may have been a funerary circle from the Early Iron Age.
A Journey Through Time
This excavation offers a fascinating snapshot of how life in the region evolved over millennia – from a Bronze Age settlement, through Roman occupation, to a medieval hamlet, and finally transitioning into agricultural land during the Late Middle Ages. Each discovery, from the gold ring of Venus Victrix to the Carolingian coins, provides a valuable piece of the puzzle in understanding the rich tapestry of history in Brittany.