Archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) have discovered an 1,800-year-old gold ring featuring a carved portrait of the Roman goddess Venus, associated with victory in battle, along with several coins from the Carolingian Empire. These finds were part of a comprehensive excavation in the Brittany region of France, near the town of Pacé, which revealed artifacts and settlement sites dating from the Late Bronze Age to the Middle Ages.
According to INRAP, the gold ring was found in “extraordinary condition.” Dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, the Roman gold ring was uncovered in a section of a Roman road that was examined during the excavation. This road, built between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, is notable for its structure, which includes a layer of quartz gravel covering the natural ground and ditches along the sides. The widespread use of this road in antiquity is evidenced by visible wheel ruts.
The ring features a finely carved setting and is made from a type of onyx called Nicolo, which has a bluish surface on a black base. The precious stone bears an intricate depiction of Venus Victrix, symbolizing beauty and power. Such jewelry typically served as both personal adornments and seals for the Roman elite, indicating status and carrying spiritual significance.
The Roman infrastructure, including the road where the ring was found, not only facilitated trade and travel but also connected rural communities to urban centers.
Archaeologists also uncovered remnants of a medieval village dating from the 5th to the 10th centuries alongside the Roman road. This settlement featured rectangular plots linked by pathways, with houses, pastures, agricultural fields, and grain storage silos. The use of wood, earth, and plant-based roofing materials in most of the structures provides insights into medieval construction techniques.
One particularly noteworthy discovery was twelve Carolingian silver coins dating back to the 9th or 10th century. Found in exceptional condition, these coins may have been left during the Viking Age, a time when Viking raids pressured the Carolingian Empire. It remains unclear whether Viking activity was the direct cause of the settlement’s abandonment in the 10th century.
Evidence of earlier settlements was also found at the site. In pits to the north, fragments of pottery from the Late Bronze Age and fired clay molds used for bronze-making were discovered. These molds, likely used for crafting swords and other weapons, suggest the presence of an unidentified workshop. Additionally, two small containers were found, one of which may be a burial ring from the Early Iron Age.
This excavation, spanning from a Bronze Age settlement to a medieval village and an area of intensive agriculture in the late Middle Ages, has yielded significant information about settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and technological advancements over thousands of years.
Cover Photo: Emmanuelle Collado / INRAP
