Boy Finds Ancient Roman Gold Bracelet While Walking Dog

In a remarkable find, a 12-year-old boy from the U.K. discovered a first-century gold bracelet while walking his dog with his mother in Pagham, West Sussex. Rowan Brannan spotted the artifact, which is believed to have belonged to a Roman soldier as a military honor, possibly awarded for bravery during the Roman conquest of Britain. The discovery took place in 2022, but recent analysis has confirmed the bracelet's historical significance. The bracelet, made from sheet gold and measuring nearly 3 inches in length, is classified as an armilla-type bracelet, known as "dona militaria." These military awards were traditionally given to soldiers for acts of valor during the Roman invasion, which began in A.D. 43. The Portable Antiquities Scheme has designated the bracelet as "treasure," as it is made of gold and over 300 years old. Following its discovery, the bracelet was acquired by the Novium Museum in Chichester, where it will be displayed to the public starting September 10. Adrian Moss, leader of the Chichester District Council, expressed excitement about the acquisition, noting that it will provide valuable insights into ancient military practices and the rewards given to Roman soldiers. Moss also congratulated Rowan on his extraordinary find, emphasizing the importance of being observant during outdoor activities, as one might stumble upon significant historical artifacts.