In the heart of Wiltshire’s Pewsey Vale, a recent archaeological find has shed light on a captivating chapter of Roman history. Unearthed from a pit beneath 350 millimeters of topsoil, a collection of Roman vessels emerged, offering a glimpse into a world nearly 1,500 years in the past.
The discovery, promptly recognized as Roman, was reported to Richard Henry, Wiltshire’s Finds Liaison Officer, whose responsibility involves documenting archaeological finds made by the public, ranging from metal detector enthusiasts to individuals simply exploring fields or gardening.
The centerpiece of this archaeological revelation is a remarkably well-preserved cauldron, with a large copper-alloy vessel carefully placed upside down within it, forming a sealed cavity. The sealed interior raised curiosity – what treasures lay concealed within this ancient time capsule?
Upon closer inspection, the cauldron revealed a botanical surprise. Amidst the remnants of dried plants, researchers identified heads of common knapweed, fragments of bracken, and an assortment of seeds including cowslips, primrose, milkwort, hawkbit, sedges, clovers, vetches, sweet violet, fat hen, knot grass, black bindweed, buttercup, and corn spurrey. These botanical remnants, now on display at the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, offer a rare glimpse into the past, as organic matter typically disintegrates over time when buried in Pewsey Vale’s greensand.
The find, while not classified as ‘treasure’ by legal standards, remains the property of the discoverer and the landowner. In an admirable gesture, the metal detectorists donated the organic materials to the Wiltshire Museum, recognizing that the scientific analysis required would inevitably lead to the destruction of the specimens.
Richard Henry spearheaded the investigation, assembling a team to excavate the site, revealing shards of both domestic and imported ceramics, as well as ceramic building materials. The analysis of the plant remains was entrusted to the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, backed by Historic England, Southampton University, the Association for Roman Archaeology, and Wiltshire Museum.
Despite the speculative nature of dating the discovery, the state of the plants indicated they were gathered and carefully packed in late summer, shortly after the harvest, roughly between late August and early October.
Wiltshire Museum’s Director, David Dawson, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase this significant find. He noted, “Richard Henry has led this remarkable partnership project, drawing specialists from across the country to piece together the fascinating story of the burial of Roman bronze cauldrons that took place on a summer’s day 1,500 years ago.”
Richard Henry emphasized the importance of leaving such discoveries in situ, allowing for comprehensive archaeological study without disturbing the vessels. The meticulous preservation of the artifacts enabled detailed research that would have been impossible had the vessels been cleaned.
The mystery of why these cauldrons were buried in this manner remains a subject of speculation. Was it a practical decision to preserve valuable cooking pots? Were they considered antiques in their time? Or could this act be a form of votive offering, shrouded in the enigma of the past?
As the story unfolds, metal detectorist Dave aims to have the vessels professionally conserved, ensuring their preservation for future generations and adding another layer to the rich tapestry of Wiltshire’s archaeological history.