Silver treasure troves

The majority of Roman silver vessels known today derive from concealed treasure troves. Individuals most often tried to hide their valuables from the attacks of neighbouring peoples. They perhaps buried them on the journey during their flight, but sometimes packed them carefully in the hope of return.

Discovered silver and gold treasures generally used to be melted.

This is what happened with the so far largest late Roman treasure hoard containing a banquet set, which was discovered in Trier, Germany, in 1628. The total weight of the nearly 50-piece silver tableware exceeded 114 kilograms. Recent great finds were due to accidental discoveries, except for the only find in Vinkovci (Cibalae), Croatia, which was uncovered during an archaeological excavation. The Kaiseraugst hoard was revealed by a digger during construction activity, while the silver vessel treasure at Mildenhall was found by a farmer while ploughing in 1942. Treasure finds convey much information about the composition of sets, the manner of their concealment, circumstances and time, which take us closer to the personality of their former owner and understanding the age when they were used.

‘But human beings […] bury their gold and silver […]

in the ground […] all tokens of violence and discord…’

(Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, On Love of the Poor, 25; translated by Brian E. Daley, S.J.)