During a routine dog walk, a young boy in the U.K. made a breathtaking discovery: a gold bracelet dating back to Roman Britain. This unexpected find, made by 12-year-old Rowan Brannan while walking with his mother, Amanda, in the coastal village of Pagham, West Sussex, turned out to be an ancient military award rather than just a piece of jewelry.

Unlike typical Roman-era adornments, this lustrous cuff bracelet was likely a prestigious military honor, awarded to a soldier for bravery during Rome’s conquest of Britain. The Chichester District Council described the bracelet as “exceptional” and “relatively rare in Roman Britain,” highlighting its significance.

The bracelet, now slightly folded and measuring nearly 3 inches (7.1 centimeters) long, was crafted from sheet gold with raised moldings, dating back to the first century A.D. This period closely follows the Roman Emperor Claudius’ invasion of Britain in A.D. 43. The item is identified as an armilla-type bracelet, a military decoration known as “dona militaria,” which was awarded to soldiers for acts of valor. Over time, such feats were rewarded with money rather than jewelry, making this bracelet a unique relic of ancient military traditions.

The find adds valuable evidence that Roman soldiers, whether active or retired, were present in the region during that era. The Portable Antiquities Scheme, which catalogs archaeological discoveries made by the public, declared the bracelet as “treasure” due to its age and gold composition.

Following its discovery, the bracelet was acquired by The Novium Museum, where it will be displayed to the public starting September 10th. Adrian Moss, councilor and leader of the Chichester District Council, emphasized the importance of this artifact in providing insight into ancient military practices and Roman soldier rewards.

Moss also praised young Rowan for his sharp eye, noting that the discovery is a reminder of the incredible history that can be uncovered in everyday moments. “It really goes to show that you never know what you might discover by keeping your eyes peeled when out and about!”