It was sold on the internet, as humiliating as that may sound. The value is around 6,000 euros, but it could be a lot more. This is the story of the Roman legionary eagle that was recovered by the police and returned to a museum. It was recovered along with 495 coins from the 3rd to 4th centuries AD and other treasures.
Legion symbol
The eagle was the most important symbol of the Roman legions, above their flags etc. Standards. In addition to the eagle and coins, Neolithic axes were also confiscated. How was the investigation initiated? It all started on social media. They found a publication that showed some coins that looked like treasure. What’s a little darling? They are money sets that are hidden by their owners in the face of impending danger. An enemy attack, for example. They’re usually found underground and put in a bag or container. This gives archaeologists a lot of information about the timing of the concealment. Looters often throw away the container. It has little or no outlet in the illegal market.
The author of the alleged sale has been identified. They continued to confiscate the pieces “for fear of losing them”. The owner claimed to be a farmer. He said he found the treasure “the same morning” while doing farm work. He confirmed that all of the coins were part of a single set. He said that “he didn’t really know what it was about until he washed her at home.” “He handed them over voluntarily and gave the exact location,” says the police note. The agents have already delivered this material to the Archaeological Museum of Cáceres.
Underground
The experts at this museum received the pieces last Thursday. They point out that it would be premature to examine the pieces now. The material is of very different types and properties.
The police offer few details on how the eagle was confiscated from the Roman legions and the pieces from the Paleolithic. It just says that the investigation uncovered other possible looted archaeological pieces.
The eagle of the Roman Legion, recovered by the police, has regained part of its honor. What exploits, what battles could he have seen? What stories from the past do you remember? How many other little treasures are there still buried there?
