2,000-Year-Old Roman Treasure Found in Wales

The unearthed items are two lead ingots, colloquially known as "pigs," which are the first of their kind to be discovered in west Wales. Inscriptions on the ingots date them to approximately AD 87, during the rule of Emperor Domitian. This dating provides strong evidence of Roman industrial activity and the exploitation of local resources in the area soon after their conquest of the region. Metal detectorists Nick Yallope and Peter Nicolas found the artifacts on grazing land owned by farmer Geraint Jenkins in the Llangynfelyn area, north of Aberystwyth. The ingots were buried about half a meter deep and less than two meters apart from each other. Yallope and Nicolas had permission to search on the land. The discovery is significant as it highlights the importance of Ceredigion's rich mineral and ore deposits to the Roman Empire. Lead mined in this part of Wales was transported and used across the vast Roman Empire for producing tools and weapons. This find helps to redraw the map of Roman industrial landscapes in Britain. Following their discovery, the lead ingots have been officially declared as treasure. The hope is for them to be acquired by a local museum for public display. Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum has expressed excitement about the prospect of acquiring the ingots and plans to feature them in a new archaeology gallery scheduled to open in 2027.