Thetford Roman Hoard, England

 

Introduction 

This evening, I am posting information on the remarkable late-Roman gold jewellery and silver tableware found near Thetford, Norfolk, in 1979. Location is about 88 miles NE of London.

Information on the Thetford Hoard 

The jewellery, predominantly in pristine condition, reflects the fashion for the late 3rd century. It may have been produced by a single workshop, possibly in Roman Britain. 

Inscriptions refer to an obscure Italian god, Faunus,not Christianity.

The pagan nature of the hoard is unusual at this time due to anti-pagan legislation.

Here is an inventory of the mid-late 4th century collection:

• 33 silver spoons
• 3 silver strainers
• 22 gold finger rings
• 4 gold bracelets
• 4 necklace pendants
• 5 gold chain necklaces
• 2 pairs of necklace-clasps
• 1 gold amulet
• 1 unmounted engraved gem
• 4 beads
• 1 gold belt buckle

Reason for the concealment is not known. One possibility is the switch to Christianity accompanied by anti-pagan laws.

This hoard is only 15 miles NE of another hoard at Mildenhall. 

Here is a video clip of the display at the British Museum in London.

 

   More information on Roman Britain can be found here.