J2

Roman solid gold ring found near Chester, North Wales

£225

A small solid gold ring with an oval integral bezel inscribed with the name CILIX.

The male name Cilix was associated with Cilicia in Asia Minor and it seems highly likely that this ring belonged to a merchant or pioneer from this part of the empire who had come to Britain to find his fortune, perhaps by supplying the Roman soldiers located at Chester (Latin Diva).

The small dimensions of the ring indicate that it was probably worn by a child, or on the first part of the finger of an adult (a popular custom in the Roman period which indicated that the wearer was not subject to the hardships of manual labour).

A very inexpensive example of an inscribed Roman gold ring.

Roman, 1st or 2nd Century AD

Small gouge/bash on the lower part of one side of the shank.

External diameter 1.5 cms

Ex. UK private collection; acquired 1980's/1990's.

Provenience: Found in North Wales, near the ancient Roman garrison town of Chester. Discovered prior to the inception of the Portable Antiquities Scheme register.