Uncovers Rare 9th-Century Gold Artifact in England

During her very first archaeological dig, a Newcastle University archaeology student made an extraordinary find: a gold object dating back to the early Middle Ages. The discovery took place at Birdoswald Roman Fort, located in Northumberland, a region renowned for its rich historical heritage.

The student, Yara Souza, originally from Orlando, USA, had missed the previous year’s excavation due to health issues. However, in July this year, within just an hour and a half of work, she unearthed the remarkable piece. “I never imagined I would find something so quickly on my first dig. After missing the opportunity last year, it was thrilling to uncover an item that had been hidden for over a thousand years,” Yara said.

The artifact measures about 4 centimeters and features a decorative detail on one end. According to experts, the gold used in the piece was reserved for the Roman elite. The site of the discovery is located near the ancient Dere Street, built between AD 71 and 81, which once connected York to Edinburgh and remained in use even after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Interestingly, in 2021, another gold item was found in the same area by Newcastle University researcher Alan Gray, using a metal detector. The proximity of these discoveries, combined with historical context, suggests that the objects may have been used in religious ceremonies connecting ancient centers of worship in Jedburgh and Hexham.

For Professor James Gerrard, Yara’s academic mentor, the find is highly significant: “This is a discovery of exceptional quality, and I’m delighted Yara experienced this so early in her career.”

After further analysis, both the newly found artifact and the one discovered in 2021 are expected to become part of the Great North Museum’s collection, highlighting the value of collaboration between archaeologists and metal detector enthusiasts in expanding our understanding of the region’s past.

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