An eight-year-old boy named Bjarne stumbled upon a remarkable find while playing in the sandbox at his elementary school in Bremen, Germany – a 1,800-year-old Roman coin, specifically a silver denarius. This discovery, made last year, was officially announced during a press event on August 11th. Uta Halle, the Bremen state archaeologist, expressed her appreciation for Bjarne’s carefulness, emphasizing the uniqueness of the find.
Boy Found an Ancient Roman Coin
Apparently, the discovery was very special because there have only been two comparable coin finds from the Roman Empire in the city of Bremen. Although much of what is now Germany was once part of the Roman Empire’s territory, Bremen was not, making the presence of the Roman coin exceptionally rare and somewhat perplexing.
Experts are unable to definitively explain how the coin ended up in Bremen, but they have proposed several theories. It is suggested that any Roman coins found so far north likely reached the region through trade, were deposited by the River Weser, or may have been brought as souvenirs by a world traveler.
The Coin Dated to the Time of Marcus Aurelius
The denarius, weighing 0.08 ounces (2.4 grams), is relatively lightweight. This is attributed to the fact that it was minted during a period of currency devaluation when inflation resulted in a reduction in silver content. When Bjarne initially unearthed this artifact, he was unaware of its historical significance, but his excitement grew as he learned more about it. The coin appeared round and shiny, prompting him to take it home.
The boy’s family later shared photographs of the coin with experts, who then requested to examine it in person. After thorough analysis, they were able to date it to the reign of Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 to 180 C.E. Officials commended Bjarne for his alertness and curiosity and presented him with two archaeology books as recognition.
Despite his remarkable discovery, Bjarne will not be permitted to keep the artifact. The coin will probably be displayed at Bremen’s Focke Museum.
Property Developer Discovers Secret Passageway Behind Bookshelf in 500-Year-Old House
A British property developer made a discovery very much like in an old mystery movie. Freddy Goodall found a secret in his half-a-millennia Sussex estate after seeing an old photograph showing a passageway that was now concealed behind a bookshelf. Goodall was curious and found a hole behind a book, revealing the secret.
A House With a Hidden Passageway
Curiosity piqued, the 23-year-old developer embarked on an investigation, revealing an extensive network of tunnels and interconnected rooms, some potentially leading to neighboring structures in the English community. Every passageway, he theorized, might have been used as covert pathways for the estate’s staff centuries ago, allowing them to move about unnoticed by the owners of the ancient 16th-century home.
Goodall’s family acquired and restored the historic estate around three decades ago. Nestled in Brighton, a picturesque town in Sussex, the house has stood for centuries, preserving its secrets beneath its timeworn exterior. The developer speculated that the hidden tunnels and rooms likely witnessed countless moments in history, concealing tales of intrigue and purpose.
The Passageway Was Used By the Staff
In a series of captivating videos shared on TikTok and Instagram, Goodall unveiled his fascinating discoveries, including a mysterious old safe. After multiple attempts, he and his friends finally managed to crack it open, revealing a treasure trove of books, one dating back to the year 1848, chronicling the house’s rich history. Among the findings was a letter penned by the illustrious Spencer Compton, 2nd Marquess of Northampton, from his visit to the estate in 1837 and a floorboard bearing the signature of George Stewart, 8th Earl of Galloway, dated 1807.
Delving deeper into the hidden realms, Goodall uncovered evidence that the property had once served as an educational institution during the early 1900s. The underground network bore graffiti, schoolbooks, and desks, hinting at the presence of adventurous students who had explored the tunnels in secret. Traces of their presence were etched into the walls, a testament to the clandestine escapades of these young scholars from a bygone era.
Unfazed by the temptation to alter any passageway or concealed chamber, Goodall has decided to preserve these time-worn spaces in their original state. With a sense of reverence for the rich history they embody, he plans to continue his explorations in the hope of unearthing more about their enigmatic purpose and perhaps unearthing additional historical artifacts. As he ventures further into this hidden realm, he remains captivated by the echoes of the past that reverberate through each room, offering a captivating glimpse into the heritage that lies dormant beneath the surface.