2,000-Year-Old Gold Ring of Roman Goddess ‘Venus the Victorious’ Found on Dirt Road!
A long-lost Roman gold ring has been uncovered alongside medieval treasures, revealing secrets of ancient life and Viking chaos. 🌐 #News #History #Archaeology #Lifestyle
ST. PAUL, MN – An astonishing find has captivated archaeologists—an exceptionally well-preserved gold ring, lost for nearly 2,000 years, has been unearthed along an ancient road. Bearing the image of Venus Victrix, a Roman goddess known for power and passion, this treasure is just one part of a larger discovery, revealing a wealth of historical artifacts that shed light on centuries of human settlement and upheaval.
Unearthing Hidden Layers of History
The discovery took place during an excavation in Brittany, France led by researchers from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP). The team investigated an 11-acre site ahead of planned construction in the French commune of Pacé.
Beneath the soil, they uncovered evidence of continuous human presence dating back over 2,000 years, from the Late Bronze Age through the medieval period.
The gold ring, a standout among the findings, survived remarkably well. It features a gem known as a nicolo, an onyx agate with contrasting layers of white and black. Engraved on the gem is Venus Victrix—Venus depicted in her victorious form, symbolizing both military strength and romantic allure.
Roman generals often invoked her favor before battle, seeking divine intervention for their conquests.
The Ring’s Roman Legacy
The ring dates back to the Roman occupation of Brittany, which began with Julius Caesar’s conquest of the region in 56 B.C.E. During this time, an extensive network of roads linked communities, supporting trade and travel.
One traveler likely lost the ring on a journey, leaving it buried beneath the road for nearly two millennia.
As archaeologists pieced together the region’s past, they found traces of Roman influence still embedded in the landscape. Wheel ruts from ancient carts remain visible, a silent testament to the bustling activity that once thrived here.
Medieval Relics and Viking Intrusion
But the site’s significance doesn’t end with the Roman era. The excavation also revealed relics from Brittany’s medieval prime between the seventh and eighth centuries C.E.
Residents of this period developed structured communities, with designated areas for farming, cooking, storage, and housing. Archaeologists discovered cooking pots, millstones, storage containers, and even carbonized grains that once sustained medieval life.
A particularly intriguing find was a cache of coins dating to the Carolingian Empire, which dominated much of western Europe during the early medieval era. The dozen coins, buried in the ninth or tenth century C.E., may have been hidden during a time of crisis.
This period saw waves of Viking raids ravaging Carolingian territories, forcing communities to adapt or abandon their settlements.
While it remains unclear if the coin hoard and the site’s eventual abandonment were directly linked to Viking attacks, the timing suggests a connection. Archaeologists continue to analyze the site, hoping to unravel more of its mysteries.
A Glimpse Into the Past
The excavation offers a glimpse into a dynamic and turbulent stretch of history. From Roman roadways to medieval survival strategies, the site reveals the resilience and adaptability of its former inhabitants.
For now, the gold ring stands out as a rare and symbolic link between Brittany’s ancient past and the wider story of conquest, culture, and survival across Europe.
RELATED TOPICS: France | History | Lifestyle
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