• Loading ...
  • Loading ...

Attractions Sydney

Latest News Attractions Sydney

Are you looking for a holiday? Get special deals.

 

Rare ancient gold discovery made by Florida student at archaeological site

24 Aug 2025 By foxnews

Rare ancient gold discovery made by Florida student at archaeological site

A student from the Sunshine State recently struck gold during an archaeological excavation in Britain - over 4,000 miles from home.

Yara Souza of Orlando, Florida, discovered the ninth-century golden artifact during an excavation in Redesdale, Northumberland, in July. 

An archaeology student at Newcastle University, Souza said that she "couldn't believe" she found the artifact - during her first excavation too.

METAL DETECTORIST'S 'FEELING' LEADS TO MASSIVE ROMAN SETTLEMENT DISCOVERY IN POPULAR TOURIST HOTSPOT

"It was actually quite overwhelming. It was amazing to discover something that hasn't been seen for more than 1,000 years," she said in a university release.

"I was really geeking out over it!"

She found the artifact near Dere Street, a Roman road that once connected York to Edinburgh and later became part of the modern A68.

After missing Newcastle University's excavation at Birdoswald Roman fort due to illness, Souza said she unearthed the artifact within 90 minutes of digging.

RARE 1,200-YEAR-OLD CHRISTIAN CROSS FOUND IN FIELD BY METAL DETECTORIST

"I couldn't believe I'd found something so quickly into my first excavation," she added.

The early medieval artifact dates back to the 800s, the school said. It features a decorative finial at one end.

Gold was only used by elite individuals at the time, so experts believe the relic could have had a religious or ceremonial use. Further analysis is ongoing.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Archaeology professor James Gerrard called the discovery "an exciting find of exceptional quality." 

"I'm delighted for Yara that she has made this discovery at the beginning of her career as an archaeologist," he said.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

"We know that Dere Street continued to be a major thoroughfare long after the Romans, and it's clear from this discovery that high-status people were using it."

The discovery follows other recent archaeological finds in the United Kingdom.

In late May, two different 2,000-year-old shoes were unearthed by volunteers at Magna Roman fort in Northumberland.

This summer, officials announced that a cache of coins - equivalent to an Ancient Roman soldier's monthly paycheck - was spotted in the English countryside.

More News

Booking.com
Google rolls out 'preferred sources' feature, allowing users to choose outlets that appear within Top Stories
Google rolls out 'preferred sources' feature, allowing users to choose outlets that appear within Top Stories
Rare ancient gold discovery made by Florida student at archaeological site
Rare ancient gold discovery made by Florida student at archaeological site
Molly Sims wraps up summer in style with purple bikini moments
Molly Sims wraps up summer in style with purple bikini moments
Fox News Entertainment Newsletter: Austin Butler went temporarily blind; Beach Boys feud reignites
Fox News Entertainment Newsletter: Austin Butler went temporarily blind; Beach Boys feud reignites
South Carolina assistant coach, ex-NFL player Travian Robertson hospitalized after car accident
South Carolina assistant coach, ex-NFL player Travian Robertson hospitalized after car accident
Bill Maher hammers Dems on how Trump is taking their voters, says he feels people's 'pain in the a--'
Bill Maher hammers Dems on how Trump is taking their voters, says he feels people's 'pain in the a--'
Savory oatmeal bowls stir up a new breakfast craze with eggs, cheese and spice
Savory oatmeal bowls stir up a new breakfast craze with eggs, cheese and spice
Man confronts woman over large dog in fast-food restaurant, sparking online debate
Man confronts woman over large dog in fast-food restaurant, sparking online debate
Lionel Richie burglary attempt at Beverly Hills home ends with arrest: police
Lionel Richie burglary attempt at Beverly Hills home ends with arrest: police
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel seeks out 'rats' after leaked injury report: 'We'll figure that out'
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel seeks out 'rats' after leaked injury report: 'We'll figure that out'
Notorious 'Scorecard Killer' linked to decades-old murder nearly 45 years later
Notorious 'Scorecard Killer' linked to decades-old murder nearly 45 years later
National Guard roll out in 19 states not linked to Trump's crime crackdown, WH says
National Guard roll out in 19 states not linked to Trump's crime crackdown, WH says
Kimberly Williams-Paisley keeps childhood promise to son as he heads to college
Kimberly Williams-Paisley keeps childhood promise to son as he heads to college
England flag displays powerful symbol in immigration fight as Trump-style populism sweeps through UK
England flag displays powerful symbol in immigration fight as Trump-style populism sweeps through UK
Experts say date and pumpkin seed snack hack could help improve sleep, ease stress
Experts say date and pumpkin seed snack hack could help improve sleep, ease stress
MSNBC host says he's sick of 'snowflakes' slamming Cracker Barrel logo redesign
MSNBC host says he's sick of 'snowflakes' slamming Cracker Barrel logo redesign
Largest Christian university celebrates FTC dropping lawsuit, ending years of 'lawfare' from Biden admin
Largest Christian university celebrates FTC dropping lawsuit, ending years of 'lawfare' from Biden admin
Ellen DeGeneres shows off country life in UK after fleeing US following Trump's 2024 presidential win
Ellen DeGeneres shows off country life in UK after fleeing US following Trump's 2024 presidential win
Brain eating amoeba-infected patient dies, Missouri health officials confirm
Brain eating amoeba-infected patient dies, Missouri health officials confirm
Kate Gosselin slams rumors she stole her children's college funds
Kate Gosselin slams rumors she stole her children's college funds
Latest News

copyright © 2025 Attractions Sydney.   All rights reserved.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z