Archaeologists reveal 2nd-century bronze relics accidentally discovered by metal detectorist

Archaeologists in the U.K. have revealed a decorated bronze jug handle, a Samian ware cup, and a burial urn from the second-century C.E. burial site of a wealthy Roman. A group of "Weekend Wanderers" found the artifacts by accident when exploring a Whitchurch field with metal detectors.

After the metal detectorist noted the find, experts from Oxford Archaeology unearthed the bronze handle, along with a cremation casket and even the remains of food and drink, during an excavation in October. The excavation also revealed a red jasper intaglio ring depicting Minerva and Mercury. The bronze handle and decorated cup are the most important finds from the site, the archaeologists noted.

The variety of pottery remains, which included the Samian cup as well as glass vessels, a bronze dish, and an iron lamp, along with the burial urn, signified that the burial site was likely for an adult of high status. The researchers told Culture24 that multiple metal, glass, and ceramic objects are rarely found together in burial sites.

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Oxford Archaeology donated the findings to Buckinghamshire County Museum in Aylesbury, where they are now on display.