The mystery of the ancient ring "Memento Mori", which archaeologists recently discovered in a treasure chest

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

A treasure chest was recently discovered in Wales. This is one of the largest ancient treasures found with a metal detector. Among the gold and silver coins, a rather creepy find awaited archaeologists. It was the so-called Memento Mori ring with a skull engraved on it. "Memento Mori" - literally translated from Latin means "remember death." What this strange medieval decoration told scientists, further in the review.

Metal detector and treasure

The surprising discovery came from two treasure hunters and a metal detector. One of their search engines, David Balfour, has been doing this for many years. The treasure stumbled upon in the community of Carreghoff, Wales.

The striking archaeological find meant that the authorities should be consulted on this matter. By law, all valuable items that anyone finds must be delivered to the National Museum. There they undergo a special check and undergo all the necessary research. Those who think to pocket the booty and then sell it for a hefty price are out of luck!

The unusual find aroused extreme interest from various quarters. The National Museum was especially interested in the strange ring with a skull.

What does this find mean?

The treasure consisted of beautifully preserved items: gold and silver coins, the Anglo-Saxon-style double-hook clasp first discovered in Wales, and the Death's Head ring. Researchers say the ring should have been kept by the owner as a reminder of the inevitability of death. Ominous skull engraving inlaid with white enamel. The skull is framed by the Latin inscription: "Memento Mori", which from Latin means "remember death."

Deputy Head of Collections and Research at the National Museum of Wales, Dr. Mark Redknapp, claims the ring and its message reflect the high mortality rate at the time. Its motive and inscription urge the owner to remember the brevity and fragility of life. The ring was usually made in honor of the death of a loved one.

The ring is dated approximately between 1550 and 1650. It was among other gold and silver objects, the age of which varies from the Middle Ages. It is believed that these items belonged to the wealthy people of Wales. Gold coins found in Wales represent a colossal amount of money at the time. Researchers believe they were hidden in the ground for safekeeping.

Among other things, the presence of a ring of such a mystical appearance inevitably led to unwitting parallels with "The Lord of the Rings". And not in vain, because the creator of Middle-earth J. R. R. Tolkien was inspired by the Welsh language and culture when he wrote his literary masterpieces.

Another eye-catching item is the Anglo-Saxon double hook clasp. There was also another ring, the so-called bouquet ring. It also has an inscription that reads: "Be faithful to the end." This ring was made either in the late 17th or early 18th century. Among the objects discovered, archaeologists mention a silver order, which is called the Order of the Garter. It depicts the profile of Charles I and the message: "Shame on the one who thinks badly about it."The same words can be seen on the Royal Arms.

Powys in Wales - a treasure trove of archaeological finds

A lot of ancient treasures have already been found in this area. Various archaeological artifacts, gold and silver coins. The vast majority of finds come from Powys, the rest were found in the Glamorgan Valley. All the treasures helped to learn more about the ancient glorious past of the country.

The latest find not only gives historians a deeper understanding of how to view death, but also helps to revive a long-forgotten past. Archaeological wealth is the best way to celebrate your identity. This is the best way to form national pride.

How often do people look at their feet? This can be very helpful. Sometimes the treasure is lying in the mud right there. Read about such a find in our other article: what the unique Celtic artifact, accidentally found in the mud, told the scientists.