A stunning Roman gold ring found on an ancient French road

It’s not five gold rings, it’s only two days until Christmas. Excavations at a Bronze Age settlement in northwestern France have uncovered a remarkable gold ring, swords and a handful of other interesting artifacts.

INRAP – France’s National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research – led the excavation in Brittany. The site contains Bronze Age artefacts but shows evidence of continuous settlement until the 10th century. During the excavation, vases, terracotta pieces, swords, coins and a distinctive gold ring were found.

Moreover, recent work suggests that the site was part of an ancient trade route that transported goods from across the continent. During the excavation, INRAP archaeologists found a strip of quartz pebbles about 26 feet wide (8 meters wide), which they determined to be an ancient road. The sides of the road are separated by ditches, and archaeologists have identified traces of cracks in the quartz made by wheeled vehicles. According to the INRAP release, the road probably dates back to the beginning of the second century and was used in the fourth century.

A gold ring (shown above) was found on the same road and dates to about the same period. Ring a Roman Nicolocan be identified by a figure cut in stone. According to the INRAP statement, the figure on the ring may be Venus Victrix, which indicates the victory of its owner.

Later, the INRAP team proved that there was a settlement at this place between the 5th and 10th centuries and reached its peak between the 7th and 8th centuries. A dozen Carolingian dinars (shown at the top of the article) date to the 9th or 10th century.

Although no structures remain at the site, researchers have identified quadrangular areas across the site separated from each other by ditches. While some areas appear to have had buildings, others were used for other purposes, including growing crops and grazing.

The team also found underground storage silos, commonly used to store grain, pits for water storage, and other pits used as hearths or ovens. Some ancient terracotta elements used for storage or cooking also showed signs of reuse during the medieval period, indicating that later inhabitants of the settlement were aware of its earlier occupation.

The INRAP dig is the latest in some fascinating archeology to come out of France this year. A different team studied in April victims of ritualized human sacrifices He found that the practice was widespread throughout Europe in the Rhône Valley and during the Neolithic period. Check back to read more about this year’s amazing archaeological finds Our 2024 recap.