Uncovered on an Ancient French Road: Remarkable Gold Ring Dating Back to Roman Era
Uncovered on an Ancient French Road: Remarkable Gold Ring Dating Back to Roman Era
With only two days left before Christmas, it's not five golden rings, but we'll make do. An archaeological dig in northwestern France has unveiled some fascinating findings from the Bronze Age, including a golden ring, swords, and other intriguing items.
INRAP, France's National Institute for Preventative Archaeological Research, led the excavation in Brittany. The site contains Bronze Age artifacts and shows signs of continuous habitation throughout the 10th century. The dig revealed vases, terra cotta fragments, swords, coins, and a distinctive golden ring.
Recent studies suggest the site was part of an ancient trade route, handling goods from all over the continent. INRAP archaeologists discovered a 26-foot-wide (8-meter) strip of quartz pebbles that they believe is an ancient road. The road had ditches at the sides and showed signs of wheeled vehicle ruts. The road likely dates back to the first or second century and was in use up until the fourth century, according to INRAP.
A Carolingian coin was found on that road, as well as a golden ring dating back to the same time period. The ring is a Roman nicolo, which can be identified by the figure carved into the stone. The figure on the ring is believed to be Venus Victrix, who symbolizes victory for the wearer, according to the INRAP release.
Later, the INRAP team discovered evidence of a settlement on the site dating back to the 5th to 10th centuries and peaking between the 7th and 8th centuries. A dozen Carolingian denarii (shown at the top of the article) date back to the 9th or 10th centuries.
No structures remain at the site, but the researchers identified quadrangular plots separated by ditches across the site. Some plots appeared to contain buildings, while others were used for agricultural purposes, such as growing crops and pasturing animals.
Underground storage silos for grains, water storage pits, and hearth or oven-like pits were also found. Some ancient terracotta elements used for storing goods or cooking showed signs of reuse during the medieval period, indicating that the later inhabitants of the settlement were aware of its earlier occupancy.
The INRAP dig is just one of this year's intriguing archaeological discoveries in France. In April, another team studied victims of ritualistic human sacrifice in the Rhône Valley and found that the practice was widespread across Europe during the Neolithic. To learn more about this year's impressive archaeological finds, check out our 2024 recap.
The Roman nicolo golden ring found at the site suggests a rich intercontinental trade during that era, indicating the future potential of such archaeological discoveries in revealing the history of ancient trade routes. With advancements in technology and scientific research, we might uncover even more intriguing details about the past.
The unique Roman nicolo golden ring, symbolizing victory for its wearer, showcases the advanced craftsmanship and artistic abilities of the Bronze Age, further emphasizing the role of science in deciphering our long-forgotten past.