Back in 2020, metal detectorist Ian Porter discovered a number of artifacts from the Iron Age and Roman era while exploring the grounds of Anglesey Island in Wales. Four years later, these artifacts have been officially declared a national treasure, according to a statement shared by Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales.
Porter found 16 artifacts, including Iron Age chariot and Roman cavalry fittings, including one in the shape of a ram’s head, which is dated to the 1st century AD. The list also includes a Roman copper ingot, a decorated brooch, and four other coins.
“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,” said Porter in a statement.
According to Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, the artifacts were discovered near a spring, leading the experts to believe they were placed there as part of “repeated religious offerings around an ancient sacred spring source.”
The 16 artifacts found by Porter will now be part of the permanent collection of Oriel Môn, a museum and arts center located in Llangefni, Anglesey.
“The items themselves and the nature of how they were deposited are of immense archaeological significance and will provide us with a great deal of potential in terms of display and interpretation. It will also offer fantastic outreach and educational opportunities,” said Ian Jones, Building and Collections Manager at Oriel Môn, in a statement.