An unusual piece of Anglo-Saxon jewelry, a pendant replicating a Roman gold solidus featuring Emperor Honorius, was discovered in Norfolk, England, by a metal detectorist in January 2023. The pendant, dating back to the late fifth to early sixth century, imitates the imagery and inscriptions found on Roman coins from the time of Emperor Honorius.
For an artifact to be declared treasure in the U.K., it must be made of gold or silver and be at least 300 years old. This pendant meets these criteria and has been declared treasure. Coin expert Adrian Marsden pointed out that the Anglo-Saxon pendant has some typos in its inscriptions, likely due to the lack of a fully developed writing system among the Anglo-Saxons at that time. Despite the errors, the pendant’s designer did not intend for it to be an exact replica of the original coin but rather as a piece of jewelry for adornment.
The pendant’s design reflects the Anglo-Saxons’ desire to connect with the Roman Empire that once ruled Britain. It symbolizes a time of transition as the Roman Empire crumbled, and the Anglo-Saxons sought to emulate their predecessors through unique pieces of jewelry like this pendant.
In addition to the discovery of this pendant, archaeologist and art historian Hannah Kate Simon shared her expertise on Roman art and archaeology. With a Master’s degree in the history of art and archaeology, Hannah has worked on various archaeological projects and contributed to exhibition catalogues. Her insights provide a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of artifacts like the Anglo-Saxon pendant.
Overall, the discovery of the Anglo-Saxon pendant offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural exchange and emulation between different civilizations during a time of societal change. It serves as a reminder of the complex and interconnected history of the British Isles and the influences of past empires on subsequent cultures.