Treasure Map of Roman Britain: Exploring Ancient Hoards and Metal Detecting Discoveries

DISCLAIMER: The coordinates displayed on this Roman Hoard map of Britain are intentionally very approximate, and only represent the general area in which the findspots are located. This is intended to protect archaeological sites from unauthorised excavation.

Introduction: Unearthing Britain’s Roman Legacy

The landscape of Britain is a treasure trove of history, with centuries of human activity buried beneath its soil. Among the most fascinating discoveries are Roman hoards – collections of coins, jewelry, and other valuable items hidden away nearly two millennia ago. These ancient caches provide invaluable insights into Roman Britain’s economy, society, and the turbulent times that led people to conceal their wealth. In recent years, the hobby of metal detecting has played a crucial role in uncovering these historical treasures, revolutionizing our understanding of Roman Britain.

The Nature of Roman Hoards

The data from our map of Roman hoard find spots in Britain reveals a rich tapestry of discoveries spanning the length and breadth of the country. From the sun-drenched coasts of Cornwall to the windswept hills of Scotland, these hoards paint a picture of a Roman presence that extended far beyond the well-known urban centres.

One striking aspect of the data is the sheer diversity of hoard contents. While many contain coins – the Cunetio Hoard in Wiltshire, for instance, yielded an astounding 54,951 coins – others feature a mix of precious metalwork, jewelry, and everyday items. The Hoxne Hoard, discovered in Suffolk in 1992, is particularly noteworthy. It contained not only 14,865 coins but also 29 items of gold jewelry, 98 silver spoons, and various other silver objects, providing a glimpse into the material wealth of late Roman Britain.

The dates of these hoards span the entire period of Roman occupation in Britain, from the 1st to the 5th centuries AD. However, there’s a noticeable concentration of hoards from the 3rd and 4th centuries. This period coincides with a time of significant unrest in the Roman Empire, including economic instability, barbarian invasions, and political turmoil. The Frome Hoard in Somerset, containing 52,503 coins dated to the early 4th century, likely reflects this tumultuous period.


Geographically, the distribution of hoards offers intriguing insights. While finds are scattered across Britain, there are notable concentrations in certain areas. The southeast of England, including counties like Kent, Essex, and Suffolk, has yielded numerous significant hoards. This aligns with historical knowledge of this region as a heavily Romanized area with strong economic ties to the continent.

However, the map also reveals surprising finds in areas traditionally considered less influenced by Roman culture. The Traprain Treasure, discovered near Haddington in East Lothian, Scotland, contained 53 pounds of sliced-up silver tableware. This find, well beyond Hadrian’s Wall, suggests that Roman goods and customs penetrated further north than previously thought.

Top 10 Counties for Roman Hoard Finds

This table lists the top 10 counties in the UK with the highest number of Roman hoard discoveries. The data includes the county name and the total number of hoard finds recorded.

Rank County Hoard Finds
1 Hampshire 10
2 Norfolk 9
3 Somerset 9
4 Buckinghamshire 7
5 Hertfordshire 6
6 Suffolk 6
7 North Yorkshire 5
8 Cheshire 4
9 Wiltshire 4
10 East Yorkshire 4

The Impact of Metal Detecting

The role of metal detecting in these discoveries cannot be overstated. Many of the hoards in our data set were found by amateur metal detectorists, often working in collaboration with professional archaeologists. The Staffordshire Hoard, while not Roman but Anglo-Saxon, is a prime example of how metal detecting can lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

The surge in metal detecting as a hobby has led to a dramatic increase in reported finds. The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), established in 1997, has been instrumental in recording these discoveries. It provides a framework for detectorists to report their finds, ensuring that valuable historical data is not lost.

Some of the most recent finds in our dataset highlight the ongoing contributions of metal detectorists. The Wem Hoard, discovered in Shropshire in 2018, contained 336 items of Roman hacksilver, including 37 Roman coins. This late 5th-century hoard provides crucial evidence for the transition period between Roman rule and the Anglo-Saxon era.

Similarly, the Ryedale Hoard, found in North Yorkshire in 2020, contained four copper alloy objects, including a bust of Marcus Aurelius. Such finds not only add to our understanding of Roman Britain but also provide tangible connections to specific historical figures.

However, the rise of metal detecting has not been without controversy. Concerns about the potential damage to archaeological sites and the loss of contextual information have been raised. The practice of “nighthawking” – illegal metal detecting on protected sites – remains a problem. Nevertheless, responsible metal detecting, conducted in cooperation with archaeologists and in compliance with laws like the Treasure Act 1996, has undoubtedly enriched our historical knowledge.

The reasons behind the burial of these hoards remain a subject of scholarly debate. While some, particularly those from periods of unrest, may have been hidden for safekeeping with the intention of later retrieval, others appear to have been ritual deposits. The Backworth Hoard, for instance, with its mix of jewelry, coins, and religious items, may have been an offering to the gods rather than a panicked attempt to hide wealth.

The contents of these hoards also provide valuable economic information. The predominance of silver denarii in early hoards, followed by the debased radiates and nummi of the later empire, tracks the inflation and economic troubles of the Roman world. The Shapwick Hoard of 1998, containing 9,262 silver denarii from the mid-3rd century, captures a moment just before a major debasement of Roman currency.

This table lists the number of Roman hoard discoveries categorized by the century they originated in. The data includes the century and the total number of hoard finds recorded.

Rank Century Hoard Finds
1 3rd century 37
2 4th century 37
3 Unknown 30
4 2nd century 21
5 5th century 11
6 1st century 11

Moreover, these hoards offer insights into trade networks and the movement of goods across the empire. The presence of coins minted in far-flung parts of the empire, or items like the copper-alloy vessels in the Irchester-type bowls found in the Knaresborough Hoard, demonstrate the interconnectedness of the Roman world.

As technology advances, so too do the methods of analyzing these hoards. Modern techniques like X-ray fluorescence can determine the metallic composition of coins without damaging them, while isotope analysis can sometimes pinpoint the origin of the metal used. These scientific approaches, combined with traditional archaeological and historical methods, are continually deepening our understanding of Roman Britain.

The future of Roman hoard discoveries in Britain looks bright. With an estimated 50,000 active metal detectorists in the UK, and vast areas of the countryside yet to be thoroughly searched, it’s likely that many more hoards remain to be found. Each new discovery has the potential to rewrite our understanding of Roman Britain, making this an exciting time for both professional archaeologists and amateur enthusiasts.

Conclusion: Piecing Together Roman Britain’s Puzzle

In conclusion, the Roman hoards of Britain represent a unique window into the past. From the coins that reflect economic realities to the jewelry that speaks of personal tastes and religious beliefs, these buried treasures continue to captivate our imagination and enhance our knowledge. The symbiotic relationship between metal detectorists and archaeologists, despite its challenges, has ushered in a new era of discovery. As we continue to unearth these ancient caches, we are not just finding objects, but uncovering the stories of those who lived, worked, and worried in a Britain that was part of the vast Roman Empire. Each hoard is a time capsule, a snapshot of a moment when someone decided to entrust their valuables to the earth, never knowing that nearly two thousand years later, their legacy would be helping us piece together the fascinating puzzle of Roman Britain.

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