Mystery of Jersey's huge iron age hoard may have been solved

[muriel_volestrangler]

The mystery of why the world’s largest iron age Celtic hoard was buried on the south-east coast of Jersey more than 2,000 years ago may have been solved by archaeologists.
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The detectorists have joined experts in researching the hoard, which is believed to have originated in the ancient French region of Armorica, which is modern-day Brittany and Normandy, as almost all the coins are linked to the Coriosolitae tribe, whose name may derive from the Celtic corios, meaning army or troop.

Archaeologists believe the riches were hurriedly transported overseas to Jersey to ensure they did not fall into the hands of Julius Caesar’s Roman army during the Gallic wars.
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Dr Sean Kingsley, Wreckwatch’s editor-in-chief and an archaeologist who has explored more than 350 shipwrecks in the last 30 years, said the Celts were innovative boatbuilders and sailors: “By the time Caesar attacked Brittany in 56BC, the Celts’ seaborne trade was a well-oiled machine. Practical knowledge about low and high water times, the locations of shoals, winds, weather and landing places had long been passed down from generation to generation.

“In light of the dangerous shoals in the approaches to Jersey, it is possible that the Câtillon II hoard was shipped on a hide-boat vessel resembling the gold model of a boat from Broighter in Northern Ireland. This first century BC seacraft was equipped with a sail, steering oar pivoted near the stern and, crucially, nine oars on each side, which would have been invaluable to overcome unfavourable wind and steer clear of reefs. Ships built with hide or leather waterproof coverings fastened to a framework of light timbers sound flimsy but could be strongly constructed, light and flexible, ideal to ride the crests of high waves in the unpredictable Atlantic seas or for landing in almost any cove.”

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/11/mystery-iron-age-hoard-jersey-solved

If anything is crying out for a new Asterix book, with a heavy role for the unlucky pirates, this is it ...

[wendyb-NC]

1. Very interesting