Dea Senuna: Treasure, Cult and Ritual at Ashwell, Hertfordshire

Abstract

• The hoard of Romano-British temple treasure discovered at Ashwell, Hertfordshire, in 2002, was a unique and sensational find. Comprised of some 27 gold and silver objects, it appears to have been buried in the later 3rd or 4th century AD. It includes an important silver-gilt figurine, a splendid suite of gem-set gold jewellery and beautiful gold and silver plaques, many of which were inscribed with votive dedications to the hitherto unknown goddess Senuna. Subsequent excavations revealed a complex open-air ritual site, where feasting, religious activity and ritual deposition took place over a long period of time. This book combines a full discussion and catalogue of the hoard, alongside those of the related British treasures from Barkway and Stony Stratford, as well as a report on the excavations and the numerous ritually deposited finds they brought to light, including jewellery, coins, figural objects, ceramics and animal bone. The Ashwell treasure and the excavated finds, which were acquired by the British Museum, are exceptional discoveries that provide fascinating new insights into the ritual of Roman religion, both in Roman Britain and the wider Roman world.