Discovery of the Hoxne Hoard

November 16th, 1992

November 16th, 1992

Discovery of the Hoxne Hoard
How Long Ago?

32 years, 3 months, 27 days ago

Location

Hoxne, Suffolk, England

Category

Exploration & Discovery

People
  • Eric Lawes
Links & References
Tags

Discovery of the Hoxne Hoard

Eric Lawes, a metal detectorist, discovered a significant hoard of Roman coins and artifacts in Hoxne, Suffolk. The find comprised over 15,000 coins along with exquisite silver and gold objects, dating back to the late Roman period. This remarkable discovery was made while Lawes was searching a plowed field with his metal detector. The Hoxne Hoard is renowned for its size and the quality of the items, leading to great excitement in the archaeological community and capturing widespread media attention.

Over 15,000 coins found in total.

Includes gold and silver artifacts.

Discovered by metal detectorist Eric Lawes.

Significant for understanding Roman Britain.

What Happened?

The Hoxne Hoard was unearthed by metal detectorist Eric Lawes in a field near Hoxne, Suffolk, which sits in east England. On November 16, 1992, while using his metal detector, Lawes struck upon a buried treasure trove that included thousands of Roman coins and various artifacts. Among these were gold and silver objects, including exquisite jewelry, tableware, and other everyday items believed to be remnants from the late Roman Empire. This significant hoard has been dated to around the early 5th century, marking a crucial period in Britain's transition from Roman rule to Anglo-Saxon influence.

The discovery itself was enthralling, not just for its sheer volume but also for the exceptional craftsmanship of the items. The hoard presented a unique insight into the wealth and daily life of Roman Britain. The coins alone numbered over 15,000, making it one of the largest collections ever found in Britain, and are attributed to Emperor Theodosius I and other emperors. As excitement grew, Lawes promptly reported his find to the authorities, which led to further archaeological investigations.

Subsequent excavations confirmed the treasure's historical significance, leading to a full assessment and conservation of the artifacts at the British Museum. The hoard provided extensive evidence of the late Roman economy and has become one of the finest examples of Roman silverware as well as coinage preserved from that era.

Why Does it Matter?

The Hoxne Hoard is interesting because it dramatically expanded our understanding of late Roman Britain. As one of the largest collections of Roman artifacts ever discovered, it has provided valuable insights into the economy and daily life during a pivotal time of transition for the region. This find encouraged increased interest in archaeology and metal detecting, highlighting how such activities can contribute significantly to historical knowledge.

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