Archaeologists discover rare jewelry at ancient Roman fort

Archaeologists unearthed a rare piece of Roman jewelry made from 2nd or 3rd century rock crystal in their five-year-long excavation of a Roman settlement on Britain's west coast. The jewel, which has the head of a bearded man carved into the back, is thought to be the centerpiece of a ring. The stone is backed with solid bronze that archaeologists believe would have looked like gold when worn.

This piece of jewelry is one of the many discoveries archaeologists have unearthed as they investigate the origins of 17 altars at the ancient Maryport fort, which is believed to have been founded in the 1st Century A.D. when the Roman army first entered the region. Archaeologists also found what the BBC reports is "believed to be the biggest single find of Roman inscriptions ever made in Britain," as well as further insight into how Romans displayed the altars.

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