Photograph: Amgueddfa Cymru
We are delighted to have been involved in these nationally important lead ingots (known as pigs) in the community of Llangynfelyn in Ceredigion.
In our role as the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) finds liaison for the Dyfed region, Heneb worked closely with Amgueddfa Cymru, RCAHMW and the finders when the ingots were first reported. We have since worked with Cadw to carry out a major geophysical survey at the site to help us understand these important discoveries.
We would like to congratulate the finders Peter Nicolas and Nick Yallope and the landowner Geraint Jenkins whose statements you can find on the Amgueddfa Cymru’s press release attached below:
Rare Roman treasure found on dig in Ceredigion | National Museum Wales News
The Roman lead ingots date to AD 87, shortly after the Roman conquest, and will shape our understanding of how Rome advanced into and later exploited west Wales. They are stamped with the inscription “IMP DOMIT CAES AVG XIII COS,” translated as “Imperator Domitianus Caesar Augustus, consul for the thirteenth time,” which indicates imperial ownership and provides the date of AD 87 (Chapman 2025).
Dr Carol Bell, Chair of Heneb said:
“The demand for lead in the Roman Empire was insatiable – for plumbing and bath houses. By Domitian Caesar’s time (81-96AD), Ceredigion was clearly a significant part of that supply chain and this may have been a big motivation for the Roman conquest of west Wales.”
Richard Nicholls, CEO of Heneb said:
“Heneb is delighted to have been engaged in undertaking further detailed work surrounding this important find including undertaking a major geophysical survey to help better understand the surrounding area, whilst also working as the Finds Liaison on behalf of Amgueddfa Cymru to receive the finds. These finds significantly increase our understanding of Roman activity in Ceredigion and contribute to the wider story of the Romans in Wales.”
We look forward to finding ways to support the local community to celebrate these amazing finds.
Treasure Report: TWO LEAD INGOTS (PIGS) FROM LLANGYNFELYN, CEREDIGION (WALES 24.72)
Article by Luke Jenkins and Jenna Smith
