The Broighter Hoard was discovered in 1896 near Limavady, County Londonderry, in modern-day Northern Ireland. It consisted of a number of gold items dating to the 1st c. BC, which were found by farmers plowing a field about 14 inches below the surface. After passing through a few hands, it was sold to the British Museum, before ultimately finding its home at the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, where it is on public display today.
The most interesting piece from the hoard is this golden boat. It was mangled by the plow and had to be carefully restored following its discovery. It measures 18.4×7.6 cm and weighs 85 g. Besides being fully equipped with oars, a rudder, and a mast for a sail, it even features oarlocks, benches for the crew to sit on, and even tools for the crew to use inboard.
The boat, along with the other items from the hoard, are considered to be among the best examples of goldworking from the La Téne culture from anywhere in Europe. As a sign of its importance, the final iteration of the Irish £1 coin, prior to its replacement by the Euro, featured the Broighter Boat.
by japanese_american
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I love little things like that