Roman intaglio found set in later-created English medieval ring

[guy]

 

 

A medieval ring has been found in Britain that features an ancient Roman intaglio as its centerpiece. The ring dates from 1200 to 1400 AD, while the Roman intaglio inset dates from the Augustan period of the Roman Empire.

 

Key Points

A metal detectorist found a 1-inch silver pendant dating from 1200–1400 CE in Essex, England.

The pendant features a mirrored Latin inscription “SECRETVM.RICARDI” (“Richard’s secret/secret seal”) engraved to create wax impressions.

Its centerpiece is a red Roman intaglio depicting a racing chariot. The intaglio in the Essex pendant dates to the late 1st century BCE or early 1st century CE. This comes from stylistic comparison with other Roman biga (two‑horse chariot) intaglios, which places it firmly in the early Roman Imperial period.

Such reused gemstones are rare but known: medieval people sometimes incorporated ancient gems found while farming.

The object illustrates Roman influence on medieval Britain, centuries after Rome's departure in 410 CE.

The authorities in the U.K. have officially designated the pendant as a treasure, and the Braintree Museum is eager to acquire it, so the public can enjoy viewing it on display.

 

 

https://www.popsci.com/science/medieval-pendant-roman-secret/

 

Medieval seal with Roman chariot intaglio found in Essex – The History Blog

 

Rare medieval seal from the UK bears 'Richard’s Secret' inscription and Roman-era gemstone | Archaeology News Online Magazine

Below is a previous post about the intaglios found in Roman Britain

 

 

Edited February 4 by guy