The Coppergate Helmet

The Coppergate Helmet (York Helmet) is an eighth-century Anglo-Saxon helmet found in York.

It was discovered in May 1982 during excavations for the Jorvik Viking Centre at the bottom of a pit that is thought to have once been a well. The helmet is one of seven Anglo-Saxon helmets known to have survived to the present day, and is by far the best preserved. The brass banding within the crests bears a Latin inscription: IN NOMINE : DNI : NOSTRI : IHV : SCS : SPS : DI : ET : OMNIBVS : DECEMVS : AMEN: OSHERE : XPI "In the name of our Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God; and to all we say Amen / Oshere / Christ". Oshere is a male Anglian name and XPI are the first three letters of the word Christos Χριστός (khristos) in Greek.

The helmet forms part of the permanent collection of the Yorkshire Museum and has been included in many public exhibitions.

The helmet was probably made around 750-775 AD. The Vikings invaded York in 866, and the Northumbrians, unsuccessfully, a year later. The helmet's owner had much motivation to hide the priceless artifact.

Sweden’s Sandby borg yields gold

Four miles off the Swedish coast in the Baltic Sea, the rocky island of Öland was the site of an ancient mass murder. In 2010, archaeologists uncovered scores of skeletons that had initially been left unburied. They estimate that the massacre at Sandby borg took place in the 5th century. The fort’s 15-foot-tall ramparts were no match for the attackers. A discovery of two gold rings and a coin at the site may hint at the motive. The gold gives credence to the theory that the island may have had ties to the Romans. At the site of an important house the team uncovered pieces of Roman glass.

The solidus dates to the time of the massacre and depicts Emperor Valentinian III, who ruled between 425 and 455. Mysteriously, the site wasn't looted.

Even the murdered inhabitants’ horses were tied up and left to starve.

Roman calceus

The intricately punched, 2,000-year-old Roman leather shoe excavated at the Saalburg fort in Germany in 1907 belonged to a wealthy, high status woman. The shoe dates to the first half of the 2nd century. (100–150 AD). The stylish calceus (a type of enclosed shoe), survived for two millennia because the oxygen-poor, waterlogged environment it was found in drastically slowed decomposition. In ancient Rome, women’s shoes were decorated with embroidery, motifs and often with lace, displaying the wealth and social status of the Roman woman who wore them. Saalburg was a Roman fort on the summit of Mount Tanus and part of Roman border fortifications. With the surrounding village, the fort was home to about 2,000 Romans in its heyday.

The Saalburg fort was constructed in 90 A.D. and remained in operation until 260 A.D. See ----- The Roman shoe hoard of Vindolanda

A new Roman road unveiled

A preserved stretch of Roman road has been unveiled in the car park of IKEA Anagnina in Rome. It was uncovered while the store was being built in 2017. IKEA restored it and opened it to visitors. Archaeologists also uncovered the remains of a 3rd-century BC farm storage building next to the road, along with large clay storage jars (dolia) used for wine and goods. Ancient structures are regularly found during excavations in Rome.

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In 2022, thousands of years after legionaries last tramped along its worn paving stones, a well-preserved stretch of Roman road was opened to the public – beneath a McDonald’s restaurant. The 150ft-long stretch of basalt road has been cleared, cleaned and made into a permanent attraction at Frattocchie, south of Rome. Customers in search of cultural heritage can descend underground and view the Roman road, as well as three skeletons. The bodies are believed to have been buried in the period after the road was abandoned. The skeletons belong to three men, the oldest of whom was aged 35-40.

Customers view the Roman road, as well as three skeletons found buried in the culverts on either side.

The find came to light in 2014 when the area was excavated for a new McDonald’s. Archaeologists were summoned and the chain contributed 300k euros to the three-year restoration of the site.

The stretch of road was built in the 2nd century BC but fell into disuse by the 3rd century AD and remained buried for more than 1,700 years.

Experts say the paved road connected with the Appian Way. Named after the Roman official who conceived it, Appius Claudius Caecus, it became known as the “regina viarium” or queen of roads.

Emperor Valerian

Double Aureus (Binio) of Valerian, minted 255-256 in Turkey.

Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) was Roman emperor from 253 to spring 260 AD. Valerian is known as the first Roman emperor to have been taken captive in battle, captured by the Persian emperor Shapur I after the Battle of Edessa. Roman political culture placed supreme value on courage, and emperors followed Augustus’ example by framing their role through displays of virtus. The epithet “Unconquered” (invictus) meant everything to Romans. Ancients expected Valerian to kill himself before being humiliated by capture.

Valerian’s surrender to a foreign enemy in 260 represented a Roman failure of unparalleled magnitude. A Bishapur Bas-Relief shows Roman Emperor Gordian III defeated and trampled under Shapur's horse, while Shapur leads Valerian by the hand for his slavehood. Valerian was probably not skinned alive, nor killed by molten gold. Vivid tales of revenge, flaying, torture and taxidermy came from hostile propaganda. One theory suggests Valerian was kept alive. He and his captured Roman soldiers were put to work on Persian construction projects according to texts.

Aureus that sold for $131,040 dates from 258. It depicts a bare-headed Saloninus as Caesar on the obverse. He had been appointed Caesar (first in line of the succession) in 258 by his father, probably at the instigation of his grandfather, Valerian I, the senior Emperor at the time. In 260 Saloninus was murdered by rebellious troops in Cologne at age 18.

Kingdom of Macedon - Philip II

MACEDON. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II, 359-336 B.C. AV Stater (8.59 gms), Pella Mint, ca. 340/36-328 B.C. NGC AU, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 2/5. Brushed. Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000, sold for $5,800. MACEDON. Kingdom of Macedon. Philip II, 359-336 B.C. AR Tetradrachm (14.31 gms), Amphipolis Mint, ca. 316-311 B.C. NGC Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5. Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000, sold for $5,612.

The Circus Maximus

In AD 121, on the anniversary of Rome's founding, Hadrian inaugurated new games and chariot races at the Circus Maximus. A rare aureus commemorates the event, providing an absolute date of 874 years since the founding of Rome.

The coin depicts the Genius of the Circus Maximus holding a chariot wheel while reclining around the three-pointed metae (the turning posts that mark either end of the spina) of the Circus Maximus, accompanied by the accompanying legend: ANN. DCCCLXXIIII NAT. VRB. P. CIR. CON. ann(is) dccclxxiiii nat(ali) urb(is) P(rimum) cir(censes) con(stituti) Year 874 Since the Birth of the City; First Circus Games Established.

The crucible of Roman chariot racing was the Circo Massimo, or Circus Maximus. Chariot racing was fast and dangerous. According to the historian Livy, the inaugural events and wooden seating were instituted by Tarquinius Priscus in the sixth century BC. Julius Caesar gave the Circus Maximus its iconic shape in the first century BC by greatly extending the racing track and seating capacity.

At its largest, the Circus Maximus reached a length of 621m and 190m in width. It had three tiers of seating, with the lowest, nearest the action, reserved for the elite. It's said the Circus Maximus could accommodate over 100,000 spectators. Located in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the arena had many additions over the centuries and major rebuilds. Greek historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus called it “one of the most beautiful” structures in Rome.

Races began when the sponsor dropped his napkin and ended seven laps later. A race consisted of 13 turns of the spina, totalling seven laps of the Circus Maximus, run counterclockwise. Those who didn't get maimed or killed and finished in the top three won prizes. Crashes were called naufragia ('shipwreck'). Drivers who became entangled in a crash risked being trampled or dragged along the track by their horses. Most commonly raced were four-horse chariots, known as quadrigae. Drivers (aurigae) wrapped the reins around their waists to steer with weight shifts, holding a knife (falx) to cut themselves free if needed. The two middle horses provided the primary pulling power, while the outer horses were steered.

Life expectancy of the highly paid aurigae was short.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. AV Aureus Rome mint. Struck AD 213. Near EF. Extremely rare with 4 known and an important architectural type. Est $75,000. Sold for $140,000.

Trajan's Circus Maximus Sestertius. (c. 103–111 AD) Viewed from the nearby Forum Boarium, the coin offers rich detail.

Tyrian purple found for first time in Israel

Purple-dyed fabric dating to the Biblical reigns of David and Solomon was discovered in Israel in 2021. Produced in Phoenicia as early as 1570 BC using the distilled glands of sea snails, “Royal” or “Tyrian” purple was associated with the elite and exremely wealthy. It was more valuable than gold in the ancient world. Radiocarbon dating confirmed the samples found date from about 1000 BC.

True purple (argaman) was produced from a gland located near the rectum of three species of mollusc indigenous to the Mediterranean Sea, through a complex distillation process lasting several days. The find was in the Timna Valley, a vast ancient copper mine. Copper smelting in ancient times required advanced knowledge which was a closely guarded state secret. Those who held this knowledge were of the highest status.

Verica of the Atrebates a female Roman spy

Rome invaded Britain in 43 CE, under Claudius. His military campaign’s success largely hinged on insider information. Three years’ earlier, an Iron Age tribe living in present-day southeast England known as the Atrebates ousted their ruler named Verica, who subsequently fled for Rome. Once there, Verica convinced Claudius to move forward with plans to cross the English Channel, and invade Britain. In exchange for restoring his place on the Atrebates’ throne, Verica agreed to provide Roman troops with tactical support and guidance.

Verica is assumed to have been male. New research suggests she was a woman. Evidence is first Verica’s name. Ending in “a” was common for women’s names in Iron Age Britain. Two of Verica’s most recognizable contemporaries, Boudica of the Iceni and Cartimandua of the Brigantes, were both female leaders. Roman accounts of Claudius were highly critical of the emperor, and described him as weak or inept. Critics often cited his consultations with women. Verica’s own coinage is the final clue. Once reinstated to her throne, the ruler was allowed to mint her own currency featuring the Latin title “rex” to indicate she enjoyed the emperor’s full support. Other British Iron Age leaders also produced coins, but those portray clearly male fighters. Verica’s currency shows a slender, feminine individual on horseback with bare breasts.

Roman military discharge of Dasmenus Azalus

Dasmenus Azalus was a Roman auxiliary infantryman of Near Eastern origin who served during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius. This is his Roman military diploma, received when he retired from the Roman Army in AD 149 after serving 25+ years. His official discharge certificate is inscribed on two bronze tablets bound and sealed together. It served as legal proof of his new status. It made him & his family full Roman citizens, plus provided a range of social & legal benefits.Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar (AD 161-180). AV aureus (19mm, 7.24 gm, 6h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 3/5, brushed, scuffs. Rome, AD 148-149. 11,000 USD Sept 2026. Marcus Aurelius as a young man of 27. Originally given the name Marcus Annius Verus, the future Marcus Aurelius was born in AD 121 into a patrician family of Spanish origin. At an early age, Marcus earned the patronage of the emperor Hadrian and was formally schooled at the Imperial court. At the age of 17, Marcus was adopted by Hadrian's intended successor, Antoninus Pius.

Domitian and Domitia

On September 14, 81 AD Domitian became Emperor of the Roman Empire upon the death of his brother Titus. Titus died of a sudden fever, although Domitian is suspected by writers of poisoning him. Domitian was Roman emperor from 81 to 96.

The son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus was the last member of the Flavian dynasty. Emperor Domitian and Empress Domitia Longina formed one of the most tumultuous power couples in ancient Rome. Their marriage, political alliance, and Domitian's reign culminated in palace intrigue, betrayal, and death. Aureus features Emperor Domitian on the obverse and his wife, Domitia Longina, on the reverse. It was minted in Rome around 82–83 AD.

Domitia, the daughter of general Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, was forced to divorce her first husband, Lucius Aelius Lamia, to marry Domitian in AD 70. In AD 83, Domitian banished Domitia over an alleged affair with the actor Paris. Domitian soon brought Domitia back to Rome and restored her status as Empress. Domitian grew increasingly paranoid and began executing members of his inner circle. Domitia was tipped off that her own name was on his execution list. To save herself, she is widely believed to have played an active role in the palace conspiracy that resulted in his murder.

Domitian abandoned the republican facade maintained by his father Vespasian and brother Titus, operating more like an absolute monarch and demanding divine honors (dominus et deus). His high-handed methods, extreme paranoia in his later years, and harsh treatment of senators created a severe political rift in Rome.

Domitian was assassinated on September 18, 96 AD, at the age of 44. He was stabbed to death in his palace by a group of court officials, servants, and the Praetorian prefects. The relieved senate rejoiced at his death and immediately subjected him to a damnatio memoriae. He was succeeded the same day by his advisor Nerva. Domitia retired and died around 130 AD at age 77. Domitia. Augusta, AD 82-96. Denarius (silver, 3.57 gm), Rome, 82-83. Estimate CHF 10,000. Sold For CHF 19,500 in 2010. Due to her controversial life and later role in the plot against Domitian, Domitia coins became rare. Surviving coins in good condition are highly valued with most in museums.

Canis Pugnax

The Canis Pugnax, Latin for “fighting dog,” was the living weapon of the Roman legions. A massive and ferocious breed descended from the Molossian hounds of Epirus, they were the same war dogs used by Alexander the Great.

The fierce mastiff-like dogs were used for guarding, hunting, and as combat weapons. They weren't mascots, the dogs were trained as specialized shock troops. They often were outfitted with spiked collars, leather armor, or even chainmail. Released in packs before infantry advances, they charged directly into enemy lines, targeting cavalry horses to unseat their riders. Their role was to sow panic and chaos in the moments before the Roman assault. Roman historians describe them as “braver than lions and more faithful than men”. They offer high praise for their courage, loyalty, and effectiveness. At night the dogs guarded camps. They also tracked deserters. When the Western Roman Empire fell, the breed didn't vanish; its bloodline survived and eventually resurfaced centuries later in modern Italian mastiff breeds like the Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff.

Canis Pugnax retain a legacy as Rome’s most loyal and terrifying soldiers. They embodied Roman ideals of virtus (courage) and fides. (loyalty)