The Hildesheim Treasure is a collection of 69 pieces of Roman silver tableware, considered one of the most important finds of Roman silverware north of the Alps. It was discovered on October 17, 1868, by Prussian soldiers digging a trench on the Gallberg hill in Hildesheim, then part of the Kingdom of Prussia (modern-day Germany).
Discovery The treasure was found during construction work for a shooting range on the Gallberg, a small elevation south of the city of Hildesheim. The soldiers uncovered the hoard at a depth of about 3 meters. The find site was part of a Roman encampment believed to be associated with the Roman campaign of Germanicus in AD 16. The treasure was found deliberately buried, likely as a form of emergency concealment during military operations.
Contents and Description The hoard consists of a diverse range of exquisite silver objects, suggesting it belonged to a high-ranking Roman official or military commander, possibly for a traveling dining service. Key items include:
- Plates and Bowls: Numerous plates and bowls of various sizes, some with intricate relief decorations.
- Serving Dishes: Large, ornate serving dishes.
- Cups and Goblets: Drinking vessels, some richly decorated.
- Utensils: Ladles, spoons, and other dining implements.
- Candelabra: Fragments of decorative candelabra.
- Figurines: A small statuette of the goddess Minerva, often referred to as the "Minerva Plate" due to its prominent relief decoration on a patera (shallow offering dish). This piece is particularly famous for its high artistic quality.
- Other Objects: Various small decorative and functional items.
The pieces are crafted with exceptional skill, displaying high-quality silversmithing typical of the Augustan and Tiberian periods (late 1st century BCE – early 1st century CE). Many items bear the mark of their weight in Roman pounds and ounces, and some have engraved names, possibly of their owners or manufacturers.
Significance The Hildesheim Treasure is of immense archaeological and historical significance for several reasons:
- Artistic Value: It showcases the peak of Roman silversmithing artistry from the early Imperial period. The detailed mythological scenes, naturalistic motifs, and portraiture on some pieces provide valuable insights into Roman art.
- Dating and Provenance: The style and craftsmanship allow for a relatively precise dating to the early 1st century CE. Its discovery in Germania Magna provides strong evidence of the Roman presence and military operations in this region.
- Insights into Roman Life: The collection offers a glimpse into the luxurious dining customs and personal possessions of the Roman elite, particularly military commanders, on campaign.
- Historical Context: Its discovery near a probable Roman encampment active during Germanicus's campaigns against the Germanic tribes (following the Varus disaster in AD 9) links the treasure to a specific historical period and military context. Some theories suggest it might have belonged to a high-ranking officer in Varus's legions or one of Germanicus's commanders.
Current Location Following its discovery, the Hildesheim Treasure was acquired by the Prussian state. Today, it is a permanent and prominent exhibit in the Altes Museum (Old Museum) in Berlin, Germany, part of the Berlin State Museums (Staatliche Museen zu Berlin).