An elaborate silver Roman dagger has been painstakingly restored to its original glory after it was unearthed by a teenager on work experience in Germany.
Nico Calman, 19, found the fascinating weapon - believed to be the most remarkable artefact of its kind to have been discovered - at a burial ground in Haltern am See, near Münster.
When the weapon was dug from the ground, it was completely encased in rust before being restored over the span of nine months to reveal its previous state
It is so well preserved that red enamel and glass, as well as silver and brass handles decorated with ornate patterns of foliage and leaves survived for 2,000 years.
Roman soldiers are said to have carried ornate daggers as a sign of prestige - and Haltern was a large military camp established by troops, according to local media.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8014577/Silver-Roman-dagger-restored-former-glory-nine-months-restoration.html
Nico Calman, 19, found the fascinating weapon - believed to be the most remarkable artefact of its kind to have been discovered - at a burial ground in Haltern am See, near Münster.
When the weapon was dug from the ground, it was completely encased in rust before being restored over the span of nine months to reveal its previous state
It is so well preserved that red enamel and glass, as well as silver and brass handles decorated with ornate patterns of foliage and leaves survived for 2,000 years.
Roman soldiers are said to have carried ornate daggers as a sign of prestige - and Haltern was a large military camp established by troops, according to local media.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8014577/Silver-Roman-dagger-restored-former-glory-nine-months-restoration.html
King Alfred’s tower is one of many “follies” built in Britain. Follies are those buildings erected by the upper classes during the heights of British power for the sole purpose of displaying wealth and entertaining friends. This particular folly was built to celebrate a victory by the Saxon, King Alfred, over the Danes in AD 878 and is the legendary site where the King raised his standard prior to the battle.
Built by the Hoare banking family, the triangular tower is constructed from over a million red bricks and stands 50 meters in height. Work on the tower began in 1762 and was completed in 1779 with the addition of a ten-foot-high statue of King Alfred in an alcove above the entrance.
This tower was mentioned in a poem by the British poet, Thomas Hardy, in his poem entitled “The Channel Firing” written in 1914.
Damage to the tower occurred during World War II when an American plane crashed into it, severely damaging the upper 10 meters of the structure. The turret was repaired in 1986.
Built by the Hoare banking family, the triangular tower is constructed from over a million red bricks and stands 50 meters in height. Work on the tower began in 1762 and was completed in 1779 with the addition of a ten-foot-high statue of King Alfred in an alcove above the entrance.
This tower was mentioned in a poem by the British poet, Thomas Hardy, in his poem entitled “The Channel Firing” written in 1914.
Damage to the tower occurred during World War II when an American plane crashed into it, severely damaging the upper 10 meters of the structure. The turret was repaired in 1986.