Romano-British Gallery
Yorkshire’s caves have been visited by humans for thousands of years, as shelter, for burials and, for all we know, the simple curiosity of seeing what ancient things remain inside – just as we do today.
One of Victoria Cave’s most intriguing discoveries has come from new research into its use soon after the Roman conquest of the north of England around AD 70. Excavations at the cave had uncovered numerous of brooches, coins, spindle whorls and other personal items, and the standard interpretation had been that these were left behind by people using the site as an artisan’s workshop.
But recent research is changing all of this. If this was a workshop, why were so many of the objects found in totally dark and wet parts of the cave? Why were they left in narrow passageways that people could only have reached if they’d been crawling on their bellies? Surely, these areas did not provide the warm, dry and well-lit conditions ideal for craft making.The Romans also left other curiously personal effects, like make-up palettes, combs and nail-cleaners, but one of the biggest unsolved mysteries yet is that of the perforated bone ‘spoons’. What were they? Who made them and why did they leave them here?
Explore the Romano-British collection of artefacts
Plain Samian Ware Sherd
Dating from between 98-117 AD

Ear Scoop
Part of a cosmetics set

Spearhead
Left shaped with a split socket

Post-Roman Bone Comb
With ring and dot design

Carved spoon
Lovely spider design

Copper alloy bracelet
Probably 3rd – 4th century

Bone Bead
Diameter of 2.4 cm

Bone Needle
Probably deer antler

Bone Toggle or Cheek Piece
Quite plain and undecorated

Antler Hook
Thinned and pierced

Spindle Whorl
One of 15 found

Nail Cleaner
Part of a cosmetics set

Weaving Comb
Ritual deposit or workshop evidence?

Bone Handle
Decorative rings and dots

Marble Cosmetic Palette
Recycled wall veneer?

Bone Needle
One of many craft implements

Wire Brooch
S-Shaped and made from thick wire

Ivory Sword Pommel
Made from elephant ivory

Roman coin
Bronze sestertius AD235-8

Circular Plate Brooch
Made from copper alloy

Dragonesque Brooch
Decorated with colourful enamels

Pierced 'Spoon'
With duck profile head

Trumpet Brooch
One of the most common brooch types

Flagon Neck
Produced locally in York?

Two handled flagon
Neck and only one handle survives

More to explore...
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