Roman treasure returns to Norfolk town where it was found

One of the most spectacular finds in the hoard is this gold belt buckle with a dancing satyr

Pieces of Roman treasure discovered by metal detectorists 42 years ago have gone on display "a short walk" from where they were found.

The discovery at Thetford in Norfolk included 44 pieces of jewellery and 33 silver spoons from the 4th Century.

Ancient House Museum curator Oliver Bone chose "11 of the best and most interesting" items for the exhibition, which will run for a year.

They include a "gaudy, blingy" ring and a gold belt buckle with a satyr design.

Several of the silver spoons were etched with exquisite design

Many had references to the god Faunus, who like the god Bacchus was associated with good times and parties, said curator Oliver Bone

The find in November 1979 was considered controversial because metal detectorists Arthur and Greta Brooks broke the law by not reporting it to the authorities, which also meant a full archaeological survey of the site could not be done.

Eventually the story leaked out and the hoard was declared treasure and given to the British Museum.

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Mr Bone said the hoard was connected to the cult of a minor Roman god called Faunus, who was associated with fields, woods and fertility.

Ancient House dates back to at least 1500 and became a museum when Prince Frederick Duleep Singh bought it for the town in the 1920s

The treasures are displayed in a way that allows visitors to get as close as possible to them behind their protective glass

"They were a surprise to archaeologists as it's dated to AD390, at a time when Britain was officially Christian," he said.

"It was possibly buried as an offering to the gods - as there are other examples of buried hoards nearby from this time, such as the iron work found at Kilverstone.

"The illegal nature of the pagan cult could be a reason for the burial."

Bracelets and rings were also among the finds

Other items included in the British Museum loan are exquisitely etched silver spoons.

Mr Bone said displaying the hoard "a short walk from where it was found... makes the past tangible".

He added metal detectorists should report all finds to the Norfolk finds liaison officer as "whether modest or spectacular like the Thetford treasure", they "give great insight to the story of the country".

The full story of its discovery can be heard on BBC Sounds.