A significant discovery has been made in Norfolk as a Roman Anglo-Saxon coin found in Attleborough with the monogram of Emperor Honorius sheds light on the early interactions between Anglo-Saxons and Roman culture. This rare coin, dating back to the late 5th or early 6th century, was uncovered by a metal detectorist in January 2023 and has since been declared treasure by a local coroner.
The coin, or rather a pendant based on a Roman Anglo-Saxon coin found in Attleborough with the monogram of Emperor Honorius, is believed to have been created by early Anglo-Saxons as a copy of the Roman solidus, a gold coin featuring the likeness of Honorius, who reigned as Emperor of the Western Roman Empire from AD 393 to 423.
The Coin and Its Historical Context
A Roman Anglo-Saxon coin found in Attleborough with the monogram of Emperor Honorius shows the emperor’s image on one side, with garbled Latin text reading “D N HONORIVS P F AVG” (Dominus Noster Honorius Pius Felix Augustus). This inscription is considered “more-or-less accurate,” according to Adrian Marsden, a coin expert from the Norfolk Historic Environment Service.
The other side of the coin features a figure holding a banner with Christian symbols, including a cross. This is a particularly interesting detail because the Anglo-Saxons at the time were pagan, yet they chose to imitate Christian imagery. Dr. Marsden noted the irony, explaining that while the Anglo-Saxons did not fully understand the religious significance of the symbols, they replicated these designs, possibly because of the influence of the Roman culture that surrounded them.
Anglo-Saxon and Roman Influence
The discovery of a Roman Anglo-Saxon coin found in Attleborough with the monogram of Emperor Honorius highlights the complex relationship between the Anglo-Saxons and the remnants of Roman Britain. By the late 5th century, the Roman Empire had officially collapsed, and England was in a transitional period. The Anglo-Saxons, who had begun arriving in small numbers around AD 410, were gradually establishing control, particularly in eastern England, where Attleborough is located.
Despite their pagan beliefs, the Anglo-Saxons encountered many Roman artefacts, buildings, and coins left behind by the empire, which had adopted Christianity as the official religion by AD 380. The decision to replicate a coin featuring Christian symbols suggests that the Anglo-Saxons were drawn to the prestige and authority associated with Roman culture, even though they may not have fully grasped its religious meaning.
Dr. Marsden speculated that the pendant might have been part of a burial, lost over time as the grave was disturbed and eventually brought closer to the surface, where it was finally discovered. The craftsmanship of the pendant, with its inaccurate lettering and symbolic imagery, reflects the Anglo-Saxons’ attempt to emulate Roman style while blending it with their own developing culture.
A Rare and Unusual Find
A Roman Anglo-Saxon coin found in Attleborough with the monogram of Emperor Honorius is considered a rare discovery due to the way it was crafted. Rather than simply repurposing a Roman coin, the Anglo-Saxon artisan created the entire pendant from scratch, making it a unique imitation rather than a modification of an original Roman artefact.
“We see Roman gold coins being repurposed as pendants, often with suspension loops,” said Dr. Marsden. “But here, they’ve made the whole thing from scratch, which makes it a very unusual find.” The pendant measures approximately 23mm by 20.2mm and shows distinct signs of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship, despite its Roman-inspired design.
Significance and Museum Acquisition
The discovery of a Roman Anglo-Saxon coin found in Attleborough with the monogram of Emperor Honorius offers valuable insights into the cultural exchange between the Anglo-Saxons and the remnants of Roman Britain. The pendant not only symbolizes the continued presence of Roman influence in England after the collapse of the Roman Empire but also provides a glimpse into how the Anglo-Saxons interpreted and repurposed the material culture they encountered.
It is believed that a museum is preparing to acquire the pendant, ensuring that this important artefact is preserved and displayed for public education. The find underscores the importance of archaeological discoveries in understanding the early medieval period, a time often referred to as the “Dark Ages” but increasingly recognized for its rich and complex history.
Conclusion
The discovery of a Roman Anglo-Saxon coin found in Attleborough with the monogram of Emperor Honorius is a remarkable example of the blending of Roman and Anglo-Saxon culture during the early medieval period in Britain. As the Anglo-Saxons took over much of England, they continued to interact with the remnants of Roman civilization, sometimes without fully understanding its religious or cultural significance. This pendant serves as a fascinating relic of that transitional period and offers valuable insights into the development of Anglo-Saxon identity.
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