Sixteen artifacts dating back to the Iron Age and Roman times have been unearthed in a boggy field on Anglesey, thought to once have been a sacred spring.

Among the treasures discovered was a metal ram’s head. Credit: Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales

Metal detectorist Ian Porter made the discovery on March 4, 2020, while exploring a field in the Llanfair-Mathafarn-Eithaf Community. Among the treasures found were Iron Age chariot fittings, a metal ram’s head, and a Roman copper ingot.

The artifacts, which include parts of chariots, cavalry fittings, coins, and decorative items, were declared treasure by senior coroner Kate Robertson for north-west Wales. They are believed to have been deposited as repeated religious offerings around an ancient sacred spring source, indicating the cultural and religious practices of the time.

Adam Gwilt, Principal Curator for Prehistory at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, emphasized the importance of these finds in understanding ancient religious ceremonies amidst periods of conflict and change. He noted the significance of watery locations like the sacred lake site at Llyn Cerrig Bach, which were central to religious ceremonies during times of upheaval.

Gwilt further explained, “This culturally mixed artifact group, containing both Iron Age chariot fittings and Roman cavalry fittings, is an important new find for the island. It was placed during or in the aftermath of the period of invasion of the island by the Roman army.”

The artifacts provide tangible evidence of the complex relationship between native inhabitants and Roman invaders. Ian Jones, Building and Collections Manager at Oriel Môn, said: “Since the discovery of the Iron Age artifacts from Llyn Cerrig Bach during the 1940s, Anglesey has long been ᴀssociated with this important period in our history. This exciting new find from the island will enhance our understanding and knowledge.”

Ian Porter, the metal detectorist who made the discovery, remarked, “I was so excited when I found these items. To think that the last person who touched them lived almost two thousand years ago, and it shows some of the history of the island.”

More information: Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales