Most complete Iron Age carnyx and boar standard found in Norfolk, UK

Latest Archaeology Discoveries in January 2026
Source: Latest Archaeology Discoveries in January 2026 by Inside Archaeology

Archaeologists unearthed Britain's most complete carnyx (Celtic war trumpet) in Norfolk. The 2,000-year-old hoard also includes a boar standard (the first in Britain) and five shield bosses. Previously only two carnyxes were known from Britain. 🐗🎺

Key facts

  • 2,000 years old, 1st century CE
  • West Norfolk, UK
  • Consolidated horde of late Iron Age metalwork
  • Most complete carnyx (Celtic war trumpet) ever found
  • Parts of second carnyx
  • Boar standard or boar head
  • Five shield bosses of varying forms and designs
  • Prior to this horde, only 21 carnices known from across Europe
  • Only two carnices previously known from Britain (antiquarian finds from 18th-19th centuries)
  • First boar standard found in Britain
  • Carnices represent pinnacle of Iron Age ceremonial and martial equipment
  • Block lifted as consolidated unit for laboratory excavation
  • CT scans and X-rays performed at horse hospital
  • Shield bosses most easily datable to broadly first century AD
  • Deliberately selected metalwork with remarkably clean soil context
  • Undergoing conservation, treasure process, planned for Norwich Castle display

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Sources

ancientcyprus.com
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