A pair of Roman bracelets found on the island of Anglesey, Wales, has been declared treasure by the Acting Coroner for North Wales.
Anglesey was invaded twice by the Romans as the island was considered an important centre for the Celtic Druids.
The first invasion took place in AD 60 or 61 by Suetonius Paulinus, however, the Romans were forced to withdraw because of the Bouddican revolt led by Bouddica, the Queen of the Iceni tribe.
The second invasion took place in AD 77 and led to the conquest of the island, which remained under Roman rule until the collapse of Roman Britain.
The bracelets were found by a local metal detectorist near the village and community of Llanddyfnan who notified the Dyfed Archaeological Trust of his discovery.
Upon a closer examination at the Museum Wales at National Museum Cardiff, the two copper alloy bands were identified as being Roman bracelets from around the 2nd century AD.
Both bracelets have a copper alloy strip decorated with a broad central band and parallel grooves. Parts of the original hinge mechanism has survived, as well as a square silver plate with a raised tiskele (spiral) decoration generally associated with Iron Age communities.
According to the researchers, the symbolic use of the tiskele provides new insights into the cultural exchanges between these communities and the occupying Roman forces. Similar examples have been found in Conwy, Powys, and Plunton Castle in Dumfries and Galloway.
Evan Chapman, Senior Curator of Archaeology, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, said: “These bracelets are an interesting example of the mixing of native and Roman design and cultural traditions in a single object.”
Header Image Credit : Museum Wales
Sources : Museum Wales – Roman Treasure Found on Anglesey
