Roman gold finger ring with intaglio of Roman god Mercury among treasures declared in Wales

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

A new set of archaeological treasures have just been declared after being found in Wales. Here are three of them

A Roman gold finger ring

This ring has a form typical of the third century AD, with a narrow angled hoop expanding markedly to form triangular shoulders either side of a setting containing a dark blue intaglio (carved gemstone).

The intaglio has image of a standing figure - probably the Roman god Mercury - carved inside. It was found on farm land in the Community of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn in October 2015.

A silver post-medieval seal matrix

The pedestal type matrix is of a form and style characteristic of the 16th and 17th centuries. The engraved face features an unusual design of a pierced, radiating heart surmounting clasped hands and flowers.

Brecon Museum wants to buy the matrix, which was discovered on land in the Community of Llanfihangel Cwmdu with Bwlch and Cathedine in October 2015.

A small medieval brooch

The silver frame is of quatrilobe form, with rounded mouldings in the angles between the lobes. Size and form-wise, the brooch is of 13th or early 14th century date.

It surfaced in the Community of Vale of Grwyney, Powys in March. Brecon Museum and National Museum Wales are both interested in adding the brooch to their collections.

Three places to see archaeology in Wales

Caer Drewyn Hillfort, Corwen
Caer Drewyn continued to be used long after the Iron Age had ended. Legend has it that it was used by Owain Gwynedd, a self-proclaimed King of Wales, as a camp while Henry II was encamped on the Berwyns.

Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort, Pembrokeshire
A prehistoric promontory fort dating to around 600BC, this fort has been the site of excavations for 20 years and is home to several reconstructed thatched Iron Age buildings.

National Museum Cardiff
To celebrate The Year of Adventure in Wales, the museum is hosting extraordinary treasures from popular culture including the hat, whip and jacket of Indiana Jones, crystal skulls, Inca gold and early finds such as Egyptian Mummies. Until October 30 2016.

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/archaeology/art562327-national-museum-wales-finger-ring-mercury