Discovered Swords Reveal Possible Location of Ancient Roman Villa, Unveiling Its Long-Lost Secrets
In a fascinating turn of events, the discovery of two rare Roman cavalry swords, known as spathae, in a field in Gloucestershire, England, has led to the uncovering of a previously unknown multi-period archaeological site. This site includes an Iron Age settlement as well as evidence of a possible Roman villa near the village of Willersey.
The swords, likely used by mounted Roman soldiers, were found during a metal detecting rally in March 2023. Their discovery prompted archaeologists to conduct geophysical surveys and excavations starting in early 2025. The excavations revealed a long sequence of occupation spanning from the Early Iron Age through the Roman period, showing continuous or overlapping settlement activity in this area.
The Iron Age features include ring ditches (up to 18.5 meters in diameter), a burial with an iron armband, and possibly contemporaneous horse skull burial. Roman period remains include limestone building foundations possibly belonging to a winged villa, Roman building materials like ceramic roofing, box flue tiles, and painted wall plaster.
The Roman swords and their scabbard remnants were found in close proximity to these settlement remains, suggesting a direct link to Roman military or elite presence at the site during Roman occupation. This discovery provides valuable insights into local settlement patterns around the period of the Roman conquest of Britain, illustrating a transition from Iron Age to Roman lifestyles and architecture in Gloucestershire.
Historic England carried out geophysical survey work on the site, revealing the potential of extensive Iron Age and Roman settlement. The finds were reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a government programme in England and Wales. One of the swords has pattern welding running down the centre, while the second is plain.
The discovery has been significant enough to inspire a change in the Treasure Act. An amendment came into force in July 2023, expanding the criteria for treasure to include objects made of metal that provide an exceptional insight into history or archaeology or culture. Had the amendment been in place earlier, the swords might have been classified as treasure.
The swords, now a permanent addition to the Corinium Museum's collection, will be on public display from August 2023. Glenn Manning, the finder of the swords, will discuss them at the Cirencester History Festival on October 29, 2025. The find was inspired by the Crosby Garrett helmet case, a Roman cavalry equipment discovered in 2010, which sold at auction for over £2 million, sparking the need for a change in the Treasure Act.
Professor Simon James, a Roman sword expert, will also be present at the discussion about the swords, offering insights into their historical significance and the implications of their discovery. The finds help enrich our understanding of how Roman military artifacts and structures integrated into earlier native settlement landscapes.
The swords, found in close proximity to Roman settlement remains, indicate a direct connection to the Roman military or elite presence at the site, highlighting the integration of Roman military artifacts into earlier native settlement landscapes. This significant discovery has prompted an amendment to the Treasure Act, expanding the criteria for treasure to include objects that offer exceptional insights into history or archaeology.
