Sometime in the 2nd or 3rd century CE, a traveler near the French town of Pacé lost a gold ring on the road.
The ring featured an onyx stone engraved with the Roman goddess Venus Victrix, a symbol of victory.
The identity of the owner and the circumstances of the loss remain unknown.
However, archaeologists are thrilled with the discovery. The ring is in remarkably good condition, writes Historienet.
Venus Victrix was a unique representation of Venus, the goddess to whom Romans prayed for success in battle.
She was especially revered by Roman generals. In 55 BCE, the famous military leader Pompey built a grand temple in her honor on Rome’s Capitoline Hill.
The temple became a site for annual festivals and sacrifices celebrating the victorious goddess.
The ring wasn’t just a military symbol. Jewelry like this was also a prized status marker. It served practical purposes too, often used as a seal by members of Rome’s elite.
Ancient Roads and Medieval Coins
The region of Brittany, located in western France, came under Roman control after Julius Caesar’s conquest in 56 BCE.
The Romans quickly began building roads to connect rural areas with cities. One such road ran through Pacé, where the ring was discovered.
Archaeologists have uncovered more than just the ring. Excavations in the area revealed artifacts and settlements from the late Bronze Age through the Middle Ages.
Among the discoveries were 12 silver coins from the 9th or 10th century. These coins were minted during the Carolingian dynasty, which ruled much of Western Europe in the early Middle Ages.
Experts believe the coins were buried during a period of Viking raids. At that time, many residents hid their valuables to protect them from the invaders.
These finds offer a glimpse into thousands of years of history. The ring, coins, and other artifacts tell stories of war, trade, and daily life in ancient and medieval France.
