Archaeology
Some of Britain’s most significant archaeological finds are in this collection of around three million objects. They span from the Palaeolithic to the medieval period, and include objects from sites such as Maiden Castle and Roman Dorchester.
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
Glass jug from Bucknowle Roman Villa
A large, oval-shaped glass jug with distinctive chain handle. A rare survivor, this is one of the finest examples of Roman glassware ever discovered in…
Read more
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
Skeleton of dog from Maiden Castle
Dogs were common on Iron Age sites. They had roles herding livestock, as guard dogs and pets. Most were a similar size to this one.
Read more
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
Roman mosaic roundel from Hemsworth Roman villa
This round central section of a mosaic floor shows the head of the Roman sea god Neptune, with crab legs and claws growing from his…
Read more
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
The Wareham Sword
Made of silver, bronze and horn, this sword was found in the River Frome. The name engraved on it begins ‘Aethel…’, a name only associated…
Read more
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
The Langton Matravers Axe Hoard PD
This hoard contained 373 intact or broken bronze axes, and 404 fragments of bronze. It is one of the largest hoards found in Britain. The…
Read more
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
The Winfrith Newburgh flesh hook (reconstructed)
Found as part of a hoard discovered in the 1930s, this is an extremely rare pronged object known as a flesh hook. Their exact use…
Read more
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
The Portesham mirror
This bronze mirror came from a grave close to the coast, and belonged to a middle-aged woman. There are only about 60 of these mirrors…
Read more
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
The Chickerell neck rings
These two Late Bronze Age neck rings are constructed of solid gold bar. They were influenced by plain designs from Spain, western France and Ireland.
Read more
Archaeology
September 24, 2020
The Newton Peverill jadeite axe
Fewer than 20 jadeite axes are known from Neolithic Britain and this is one of the finest examples. It was made from stone taken from…
Read more