Roman Treasure Found by Welsh Metal Detectorists
Amateur metal detectorists have unearthed a rare 2,000-year-old Roman treasure in Wales, astonishing archaeologists with findings that provide new insights into ancient trade and culture. The discovery offers fresh perspective on Roman presence and influence in Wales.
The discovery was made by detectorists Nick Yallope and Peter Nicolas in the Llangynfelyn area of Ceredigion on grazing land owned by farmer Geraint Jenkins. The two men had permission to be on the land and found the objects buried about half a meter deep and less than two meters apart. The treasure consists of two rare Roman lead ingots, colloquially known as “pigs.” Inscriptions on the ingots date their production to AD 87, during the reign of Emperor Domitian. This is the first time Roman lead pigs have been recorded in west Wales, confirming early industrial-scale lead extraction in the region just over a decade after its conquest. These lead ingots were a standardized form for transporting the metal, which was a crucial component for the Roman Empire's infrastructure and military. Lead mined in Wales was transported across the breadth of the Roman Empire for use in things like water pipes, tools, and weapons. The find provides a tangible link to Ceredigion's role in the wider Roman economy. Under the Treasure Act 1996, the ingots have been officially declared treasure. All suspected treasure finds in Wales must be reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS Cymru). The next steps involve a formal valuation and discussions for a museum to acquire them. Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum has expressed strong interest in acquiring the ingots. The museum plans to feature the story of the discovery and the significance of the lead pigs in a new archaeology gallery scheduled to open in 2027.
