(Photo: The discovery of a carnyx (above) and a boar's head flag standard in the same hoard has been described as "a discovery of a lifetime" by archaeologists BBC/Rare TV )
Why is the Iron Age important? The Iron Age in Britain generally spans from around 800 BC to 43 AD, ending with the Roman invasion, though in Scotland, it extended longer as it wasn't conquered then. This period marks the widespread adoption of iron for tools and weapons, developing from Bronze Age cultures into distinct tribal societies, with significant advancements in agriculture, settlements like hillforts, and trade with continental Europe.
Rare Iron Age war trumpet and boar standard foundThe discovery of a carnyx and a boar's head flag standard in the same hoard has been described as "a discovery of a lifetime" by archaeologists.
Archaeologists have been stunned to discover two of the rarest Iron Age objects in the same excavation.
The team from Pre-Construct Archaeology was working on a building site a few miles from Thetford, Norfolk, United Kingdom, when they came across the hoard in 2025.
At its heart was the most complete battle trumpet, or carnyx, ever found in Europe - and the first-ever boar's head flag standard to be found in Britain.
Senior project officer Gary Trimble told BBC Two's Digging for Britain, carnyces "are extraordinarily rare... a boar standard, that's even rarer".
The head of an Iron Age carnyx is in the shape of an animal with a long neck, with a crest along its neck, pierced with a pattern, with a long nose and its mouth gaping open.
The carnyx has "a wonderful little eye, which is a remarkable survivor and you can't help but be impressed and charmed by it", said conservator Jonathan Carr "We have our fair share of hoards in Norfolk, but this is so, so different - it is really, really special," he added.
Dig leader Peter Crawley said he had a gut feeling about the site before the excavation began. "It felt like one of those special sites that you do get every so often," he said.
About a Carnyx
A war trumpet was used by Celtic tribes across Europe to intimidate their enemies and to inspire and direct warriors during battle.
What is a Carnyx? - A carnyx is an ancient Celtic war trumpet made of bronze. It is defined by a long, 12-foot, S-shaped tube with a bell designed like a stylized boar’s head (sometimes other animals) with an upright, open mouth. The instrument produced a loud, harsh, and, resonating sound, often played vertically so it was visible above the heads of warriors.
What was the Purpose of a Carynx? It was used between 300 BC and 200 AD to intimidate enemies and rally troops. They included the Iceni tribe of East Anglia, which was led by queen Boudica in her failed uprising against the Romans in AD60 to 61. Carnyces fascinated the Romans, who frequently depicted them as war trophies.
About the Finding
The find was made "from extremely thin sheets of metal which have become extremely brittle after 2,000 years in the ground". As well as being one of only three carnyces found in Britain, it was "the most complete carnyx ever found, with the pipe, mouthpiece and bell all uniquely intact", he added.
Dr Fraser Hunter, Iron Age and Roman curator at National Museums Scotland, said: "I've looked at carnyces from around Europe, and the full research and conservation of these incredibly fragile remains will reshape our view of sound and music in the Iron Age." The find was reported to the coroner and an inquest will be held to determine if it is treasure. Its long-term future has yet to be decided.
Historic England is working with Pre-Construct Archaeology, Norfolk Museums Service and the National Museum of Scotland to coordinate the finds' research and conservation.
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