Virtual exhibition

All finds presented here were discovered during excavations conducted by the Faculty of Archaeology University of Warsaw Research Team in Novae in the northern retentura since 2022. The finds have not been published in separate publications and are under Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license.

Bronze coin (AE)Denomination: follisIssuer: Constans (337-350)Type: GLORIA EXERCITVSAv.: Draped bust of the Emperor facing right, wearing laurel wreath and diadem, with breastplate; Legend: CONSTANS PF AVGRev.: Two soldiers holding spears and shields, between them one banner with a monogram Chi-Rho; Legend: GLORIA EXERCITVS, in exergue ·ASIS· between two dotsDate of emission: 337-342Mint: SisciaCatalogue: RIC VIII 101
Identification: Michał Mozyrski (C), Photo Agnieszka Tomas

A bone pin and a dice found together in a layer dating to the 5th-6th century.Bone objects were popular everyday items. Pins were most often made of animal bone and served as a tool for separating locks of hair in women's hairstyles. They often had decorative heads, indicating that, in addition to their practical function, they also served a decorative purpose.Roman dice (Latin: tesserae or tali) were used in social games and gambling. Dice games were very popular among the Romans, even though gambling was sometimes restricted by law.
Photo: Agnieszka Tomas

A gold earring with semi-precious stones, found during research preceding the project, in a layer dating back to the 4th century.
Roman jewelry was very diverse and made from many materials, including gold, silver, bronze, glass, and semi-precious stones. The Romans readily used stones such as carnelian, agate, amethyst, and garnet, which were often set in earrings, rings, and necklaces. Jewelry served not only a decorative function but also emphasized the wearer's social status. Earrings like the one in the photo, made of thin metal wire and a small bead of stone or glass, were very popular during the Roman Empire. Similar earrings are known from the nearby province of Moesia Superior.
Photo: Agnieszka Tomas

Fragmentarily preserved vessel for cheese production, found in the late 3rd-century contextRoman vessels used for cheese production were typically ceramic strainers or molds designed to drain whey from curd. These containers often had numerous small holes in their walls or bases, allowing liquid to flow out while the solid curd remained inside. Such vessels were used in the process of shaping and firming fresh cheese. Archaeological finds show that they were quite common, reflecting the importance of dairy production in the Roman diet.

Photo Agnieszka Tomas

Roman oil lamp
Roman terracotta lamps were the most popular type of lamps in antiquity. An average oil lamp had a capacity of about 120 ml and could burn for approximately eight hours when filled with oil. They were usually fueled with the cheapest available quality olive oil, which made them accessible to many households. Such lamps produced a relatively small flame that illuminated only a limited space, but they were inexpensive, easy to produce, and widely available. Terracotta lamps were commonly used in homes, workshops, and public buildings, and many were decorated with relief scenes or maker’s marks, reflecting both everyday use and the craft traditions of Roman lamp production. Photo Agnieszka Tomas

Fragment of a Wheel from a Terracotta CartThis small fragment of terracotta may appear modest, but it provides important evidence of the presence of children in a military environment. Originally, it formed part of a wheel from a terracotta toy cart. Such carts were mass-produced in a nearby pottery production centre. Similar toys are often found in children’s graves, where they were placed as grave goods.Photo: Agnieszka Tomas

Bear claw with a drilled hole

This is a bear claw, easily identifiable by its strong curve and robust base. The hole drilled through the claw indicates it was intentionally modified by humans, likely to be used as an amulet or pendant. Such claws were valued in ancient cultures as symbols of strength and protection, often worn as jewelry or kept as talismans. In Roman culture, the bear symbolized strength and courage and was often associated with protective and martial qualities.

Photo Agnieszka Tomas

Fragment of a late Roman amphora Amphorae were essential containers in ancient trade and transportation, widely used across the Roman Empire to store and transport liquids such as wine, olive oil, and fish sauce, salted fish, as well as dry goods like grains., honey, vinegar, and dried fruits. Amphorae didn’t have flat bottoms because they were designed to be stacked and secured during transport, especially on ships. Their pointed or rounded bases helped absorb shocks and reduce the risk of breaking while ships rocked at sea, making them much more practical for large-scale trade than flat-bottomed containers.Photo Agnieszka Tomas

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