Roman Lead Ingots Declared Treasure After Ceredigion Discovery
Two ancient lead ingots, discovered by metal detectorists in Ceredigion and dating back nearly 2,000 years, have been officially declared treasure. The remarkable find, consisting of two lead "pigs," was made in the Llangynfelyn community and is believed to originate from AD 87, based on inscriptions referencing Emperor Domitian.
First of Their Kind in West Wales
These Roman lead pigs represent the first such artifacts ever found in West Wales, granting them immense historical significance. They provide concrete evidence that lead was actively exploited in the area during the Roman era, occurring just over a decade after the region's final conquest in the mid-AD 70s.
The treasure was uncovered by metal detectorists Nick Yallope and Peter Nicolas, who had obtained permission from the landowner to search the site. Both individuals expressed profound excitement and satisfaction with their discovery.
Statements from the Finders and Landowner
Nick Yallope shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I feel incredibly proud to have uncovered something so rare and important to our local heritage. Unlocking a new chapter of our area's past is incredibly exciting."
Peter Nicolas added, "I'm just trying to save history for the local community and future generations. I've always been very happy to donate my finds to the local museum for others to experience and enjoy."
The ingots were found on grazing land owned by local farmer Geraint Jenkins, buried at a depth of half a meter and less than two meters apart. Geraint Jenkins remarked, "We were astonished when two local detectorists, Nick and Peter, who have permission to detect on our land, brought this discovery to our attention."
Historical and Cultural Importance
Roman ingots are exceptionally rare and serve as a tangible connection to Wales's Roman industrial history. Jenkins emphasized, "Our priority is that the find is handled responsibly so its full historical, cultural, and intrinsic value is properly understood and recognised. It's remarkable to think that land we now farm organically once played a role in a much wider Roman landscape."
Now that the artifacts have been declared treasure, there is hope they will be displayed in a local museum for public viewing.
Museum Curator's Perspective
Carrie Canham, curator at Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum, expressed excitement about the potential acquisition. She noted, "We are very excited at the prospect of acquiring these remarkable objects. Ceredigion's rich mineral and ore deposits were a major reason the Romans sought to conquer this area."
Canham further explained, "Lead mined here travelled across the breadth of the Roman Empire, and these lead pigs highlight Ceredigion's significance in Emperor Domitian Caesar Augustus's empire building. We plan to share this story in our new archaeology gallery, opening in 2027, so the timing of this discovery could not be better."
Guidance for Metal Detectorists
Metal detectorists are reminded that permission is required before searching on private land. Additionally, any finds suspected to be treasure must be reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) to ensure proper handling and preservation.
