A remarkable discovery in a Dutch field has shed light on the early Roman conquest of Britain. A collection of 44 gold coins, known as staters, bearing the name of King Cunobelin, along with 360 Roman coins, were found by two amateur archaeologists near Bunnik, close to Utrecht. The coins are believed to have originated as spoils of war, possibly from a Roman soldier’s pay during the Roman invasion of Britain.
Details of the Coin Hoard
The 44 staters feature the inscription of Cunobelin, a Celtic king who ruled from AD 5 to AD 40 in southeastern Britain. This king is famously referenced by Shakespeare as Cymbeline in his play. The discovery marks the first mixed coin collection found in mainland Europe, comprising both British and Roman currencies.
The hoard was likely buried intentionally in a shallow pit, with the coins stored in a cloth or leather pouch. They were found just under 30 cm beneath the surface, suggesting they were buried quickly, possibly after a single event. The collection’s value is estimated to equal 11 years of wages for a Roman soldier, indicating the importance of this find.
Roman and British Coins Together
The hoard includes Roman coins dating from 200 BC to AD 47, among them 72 gold aurei and 288 silver denarii. These coins reflect the Roman military’s wealth, with the latest coins bearing the portrait of Emperor Claudius, minted around AD 46-47. Some of the silver coins date back to the time of Julius Caesar, while others feature Juba, the king of Numidia, in present-day Algeria. The uniformity of the coin marks suggests they were minted together as part of a single batch.
Historical Significance of the Find
Experts believe the coins were likely spoils of the Roman army’s successful campaigns. The coins may have been distributed to soldiers as a donativum—a monetary gift given after victories. The Dutch National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden is currently displaying these historic items.
The discovery also holds significance in the context of Roman military movements. The coins were found in an area previously used by the Romans to prepare for their first crossing into Britain. This site may have also served as a place where the returning Roman troops returned with treasures from their conquest.
A Key Insight into Roman Conquest
The coins were likely buried in a damp area near a water channel, an environment unsuitable for settlement or farming. Anton Cruysheer, a researcher from the Utrecht Landscape and Heritage Foundation, pointed out that this find represents the first physical evidence of Roman troops returning from Britain, offering new insights into the spoils they brought back.
The discovery helps illuminate the broader history of Britain before the Roman invasion. At the time, Britain was made up of several kingdoms. The Roman invasion, led by Aulus Plautius in AD 43, aimed to consolidate Roman power by subduing local tribes like the Catuvellauni, led by Cunobelin's successors, Caratacus and Togodumnus. Their actions had extended their influence to the Atrebates tribe, who were aligned with Rome, thus expanding Roman territories in Britain.
This finding not only enriches our understanding of the Roman conquest but also adds a fascinating layer to the ongoing story of ancient Britain and its interaction with the empire.
