One of the earliest Roman settlements ever to be discovered in the Yorkshire region has been unearthed by a group of crowdfunded archaeologists.

The first sign that there may be something worth exploring at the site came three years ago when some metal detectorists uncovered a hoard of 2,000-year-old silver coins.

Friends Paul King, Robert Hamer and Robin Siddle found the hoard of 18 silver coins in 2015, but the discovery has been kept secret until now, to enable archaeologists toexplore the area, which appears to be a high-status Roman settlement.

Last week more silver coins were uncovered, with hundreds of Roman pottery sherds and a tiny brooch, found on one of three neonatal burials.

The finds so far date from the 1st century, she added: "All the coins date back to the time of the emperor Vespasian [AD 69-79], when the Romans marched north and established acentre at York.

King and his friends reported their discovery to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which encourages the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public. Acoroner will decide ownership of the treasure.

"Archaeologists and detectorists historically have a fraught relationship. However, we were very lucky with Paul and his friends contacting the scheme and we were able toprotect the site," Wilkins said.

To read the complete article, see:
Roman coins found in Yorkshire revealed after years ofsecrecy (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/aug/26/silver-coins-detectorists-yorkshire-reveal-early-roman-settlement)

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