The Water Newton Treasure is a significant archaeological discovery consisting of Roman silver artifacts found near the location of the Roman town of Durobrivae at Water Newton in Cambridgeshire, England. The discovery was made in 1975 and included 27 pieces of silver and one small gold plaque. Notably, some of the inscriptions found on the items suggest that they may have been used in a local church, making this collection one of the earliest probable groups of Christian liturgical silver found in the Roman Empire.
Key details about the Water Newton Treasure include:
1. Discovery: The hoard was discovered while plowing a field in February 1975. Unfortunately, several items had been damaged by the plow during this process.
2. Origin: The treasure was likely buried by a resident of the nearby Roman fortified garrison town of Durobriva.
3. Composition: The collection consists of nine silver vessels and other objects, primarily votive tokens with engraved and embossed labarum (chi-ro cross) designs. These tokens are mostly triangular in shape. Larger objects include jugs, bowls, plates, a strainer, and an unengraved standing cup with two handles.
4. Decoration: Many of the items are elaborately decorated, featuring motifs such as acanthus-type leaves and swirling designs. One of the most notable pieces is a decorated silver jug.
5. Inscriptions: Some of the artifacts bear inscriptions. For example, a painted silver bowl has an inscription that reads, "O Lord, I, Publian, relying on you, honor your holy altar." This inscription associates the treasure with a church or private chapel, making it a significant find for early Christian history.
6. Display: The Water Newton Treasure is housed in the British Museum, and part of the original hoard was displayed at the Peterborough Museum until January 2019.
7. Significance: The discovery of this treasure sheds light on the early history of Christianity in Roman Britain and provides valuable insights into the use of silverware in religious contexts during that period.
The Water Newton Treasure is historically significant due to its early Christian associations and its role in understanding the religious practices and material culture of the time.
