During a routine dog walk near the village of Pagham in West Sussex, England, 12-year-old Rowan Brannan, and his mother Amanda unexpectedly discovered a Roman cuff bracelet made of gold, dating back to the 1st century CE.
The bracelet, identified as an armilla type cuff bracelet, was awarded to Roman soldiers for acts of valor and service. Such bracelets were considered prestigious military decorations, known as “donum militarism.”
This particular artifact, designated as SUSS-417291, was officially declared a “treasure” following a coroner’s inquest, as per regulations governing objects over 300 years old and made from precious metals like gold.
Describing the discovery, Amanda shared, “Rowan has always been into finding all sorts of bits and pieces. I’m forever saying ‘put it down, it’s dirty’ – but on this occasion, he kept holding this bit of metal, convinced that it was actual real gold.” Initially mistaken for mere debris, Rowan’s persistence led to the realization of the treasure’s true value.
Upon returning home, Rowan researched methods to confirm the authenticity of his find. With the assistance of a visiting hairdresser interested in metal detecting, they took the necessary steps to verify the artifact. Subsequently, they contacted a Finds Liaison Officer to report their discovery.
The gold bracelet, measuring 8.1 mm wide and 71.3 mm long, is adorned with intricate decorations including five parallel bands. Amanda said, “It’s very exciting whenever we read an email, and we have been kept up to date throughout the whole process.”
Further analysis of the bracelet at the British Museum and a thorough examination in the Coroner’s Court shed light on its historical significance. Amanda elaborated, “It’s been brilliantly fascinating – we have learned so many things, and it is quite lovely to still be involved – so we can follow its story.”
Experts believe that the rarity of gold examples compared to copper-alloy Roman wide cuff bracelets suggests that they were likely awarded to higher-ranking officers. Amanda reflected on the piece’s significance, musing, “It’s like wow – imagine who wore that. We have had a piece of history in our house.”
In accordance with regulations, the discovery has been duly reported to the local Finds Liaison Officer and the Coroner’s Court. Failure to report such treasures could result in criminal prosecution.
