8 October 2026
A hoard of fragmented Roman artefacts found in Somerset has sparked wonder among archaeologists about "the layers of history hidden beneath our feet". Excavations beneath the Bath Assembly Rooms have uncovered a network of Roman ditches, pottery, coins, glassware, and piece of a military helmet. Experts said the finds expand the known extent of Roman occupation, and suggest that further remains are likely to survive beneath neighbouring Georgian streets. Project curator Tatjana LeBoff said "the atmosphere changes" on site, as relics of the past are brought into the light for the first time in nearly 2,000 years.
The Assembly Rooms are currently undergoing a £20m refurbishment and will reopen in 2027. But when digging about a metre (3ft) below ground, ancient stories began to surface. From a single ditch, teams from Wessex Archaeology recovered almost 60 fragments of Roman pottery alongside glass vessels, animal bones, roof tiles, three Roman coins and a limestone tessera (cubed tile), which may once have formed part of a mosaic floor. Among the most intriguing finds was a fragment of a Roman military helmet. Experts said this is further evidence that military personnel were involved in the construction of the city and the Roman roads leading from it.
> Layers of Roman history' found during renovation
8 October 2026
Every autumn Asian Art in London brings together leading international dealers and auction houses from the UK, Europe, USA and Asia. They specialise in a wide variety of ancient to modern Asian art, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Islamic and Middle Eastern, Himalayan and Central Asian, Southeast Asian. Asian Art in London focuses on galleries and auction houses in central London. Exhibitions showcase and offer for sale important Asian artworks, and are often accompanied by academically researched publications, while the many receptions, lectures and special events create a rich and fascinating schedule dedicated to Asian art.
29 years since it was founded, Asian Art in London continues to attract a worldwide audience, appealing to everyone with an enduring interest in the richness and variety of Asian art, from the dedicated collector and museum curator to those whose curiosity is just starting. Visit each participant’s digital exhibition page below to view and enquire regarding objects, exhibitions, and auctions.
17 September 2026
A metal detectorist found a hoard of Roman bronze objects hidden for nearly 2,000 years. The items were discovered in the Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, by Adam McLelland with the landowner's permission. They consisted of two enamelled mounts, a glass gaming counter, a bone die, several other bronze items, and most importantly, pieces of an ornate bronze rattle. They will now go on display at Discover Bucks Museum in Church Street in Aylesbury. Ian Richardson, head of portable antiquities and treasure at the British Museum, said: "The donation is a great example of the metal-detecting archaeological and museum communities working to achieve a fantastic result."
The finds have been described by Discover Bucks Museum as being of exceptional quality. "The rattle seems to have all of its pieces, including the 'peas' that went inside it, although it is extremely fragile", they said. "Rattles were used in Roman religious ceremonies, and very few have ever been found in Britain." A private donor came forward to pay for the cost of the conservation work, which was a time-consuming and expensive process. The museum said that without this funding, the objects would deteriorate, especially the fragile pieces and the enamelled surface on the mounts.
Peter Brazier, Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for culture & leisure, said: "This is a rare and exciting find, and the council's archaeology team became directly involved to ensure the remains were properly excavated. "We also brought in Oxford Archaeology to carry out the dig, which was monitored by our team. "I would like to thank Adam, who discovered the hoard, for his professionalism, and both him and the landowner for their decision to donate it to the museum." The hoard will go on display on Saturday as part of the museum's Festival of Archaeology event.
> Metal Detectorist finds Hoard of Roman Bronze Objects Hidden for 2,000 years
11 September 2026
Asian Art Week returns to New York this September, bringing together exceptional museum and private collections that celebrate the enduring appeal of Asian art. Leading the week is Chinese Ceramics from the Art Institute of Chicago, presenting rare imperial porcelains with remarkable provenance alongside Ritual, Cosmos, and Imperial Splendor: Important Chinese Art from a Private North American Collection, an outstanding selection of archaic bronze, Buddhist sculpture, jade carving, furniture and ceramics, including a very rare underglaze blue and copper-red-decorated ‘Buddhist lions’ vase as well as a rare set of nine bronze ritual bells.
South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art builds on the momentum of record-setting New York and London sales with works by Francis Newton Souza, Ganesh Pyne, Maqbool Fida Husain and more. Japanese Art is anchored by Hiroshige: Colors of the Four Seasons – The Alan Medaugh Collection, a single-owner, a live auction celebrating the richness of Edo-period Japan. The Japanese and Korea Art Online sale continues that story with woodblock prints and works of art spanning through the 20th century.
Arts of Asia Online features ceramics, paintings, sculpture and other works of art spanning the region, including an important selection of Chinese art from the Art Institute of Chicago and a curated grouping of original 20th century Indian travel posters, presenting significant opportunities for new and established collectors alike. The auctions begin 15 September.
9 August 2026
Italian divers have discovered an ancient Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, believed to be more than 2,000 years old. The vessel was found piled high with hundreds of well-preserved containers, which were used to transport goods such as wine and olive oil.
Specialist divers found the ship around 46m (150ft) deep, after a tip-off from fishermen. The wreckage is 21m (69ft) long and 6m (20ft) wide, according to reports in local media. The culture ministry says it dates from the second or 1st Century BC. Fisherman and free-diver Giacomo De Mola described stumbling across the historic vessel while surveying the seabed near Mazara del Vallo. He wrote on social media that he had decided to dive and investigate after seeing something that appeared to be a large rock on his scanner.
Officials say safety measures will be taken to safeguard it while it undergoes investigation, as experts work to determine the nature of the wreck and learn more about its cargo. The Mediterranean seabed is thought to be scattered with similar ancient wrecks.
> Ancient Roman shipwreck discovered off Sicily coast
14 June 2026
A metal detectorist found a gold ring in a field. The jewelry’s ornately carved setting encompassed a blue gem engraved with a telling image: the Roman goddess Victoria, two wings protruding from her back, driving a horse-drawn chariot.
Previously, a hoard of Roman coins and a lead coffin were found at the site in England’s southwestern Somerset region, near the town of Ilminster. But the gold ring, unearthed in 2018, became the field’s most valuable find.
According to a statement from the Trust, the so-called Ilminster Ring is "a truly remarkable find." It’s unusually big, weighing nearly 50 grams, and dates back to the late third century C.E.- during the Roman Empire's occupation of the British Isles. "The Ilminster Ring is both large and heavy, with elaborate goldwork and a beautifully executed intaglio," Amal Khreisheh, the trust’s senior curator, says in the statement. "While other examples are known, these elements combine to create a spectacular ring that is only paralleled by continental discoveries."
Romans began colonizing what's now England in 43 A.D., under the emperor Claudius. By the end of the first century, their control had spread as far north as present-day Scotland. They named their new province Britannia, and held it until the empire collapsed in the fifth century. Modern archaeologists have found countless artifacts and sites dating back to Britain’s Roman era: villas, interesting burials, mosaics, coins. But the ring is unique. "Roman gold is really rare," Khreisheh tells BBC News’s Dan Ayers. "Most jewelry is made out of silver or bronze in this period, so it's really striking to see in such good condition."
> Spectacular Gold and Gemstone Ring Buried for Safekeeping 1,700 Years Ago
26 May 2026
Two rare Chinese antiques more than 300 years old and part of a family collection in East Sussex have been sold for a combined £135,500.
The vase and wine pitcher were from the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1661 to 1722) and were bought by art connoisseur and philanthropist William Cleverley Alexander in 1907 and 1913.
Both items had been in Mr Alexander's private collection at his country home in Heathfield Park for more than a century.
The vase, which has a rare underglaze decorated with two squirrels hiding in a fruiting grapevine, was sold to a buyer in the Far East for £94,500 against an estimate of £20,000-£30,000. The pitcher was sold for £41,000 to a European buyer against an estimate of £4,000-£6,000.
> Rare Chinese antiques sell for more than £130k
4 May 2025
Archeologists at a Roman fort near Hadrian’s Wall have uncovered a penis-shaped pendant thought to have been used as good luck charm. Recent excavations at Vindolanda, a fort just south of the Sycamore Gap, have unearthed a quirky piece of jewellery within the remains of a 4th Century wall.
The site was under Roman occupation between 85 AD and 370 AD, and today is an active archaeology site with it providing an insight into the lives of people living and working near Hadrian's Wall nearly 2,000 years ago. Among the latest finds from the team of archaeologists is a miniature phallus-shaped pendant made from Jet gemstone, with its smooth surface suggesting the wearer touched it often for good luck
“This little jet pendant was lost at sometime in the early 4th century when the barrack wall in which it was found was constructed,” director of excavations at the Vindolanda Charitable Trust, Dr Andrew Birley, said. “Jet is increasingly common as a material used for jewellery from the early third century onwards and small good luck charms or pendants like these would have been worn by many of the soldiers at places like Vindolanda. “You can see that the pendant is quite smooth, not just because of the material used but also no doubt because the wearer touched the charm for good luck. “We are delighted to find this wonderful little artefact and I have no doubt that this is just the start of many more discoveries to come from Vindolanda this year.”
Phallic imagery was commonly used in as a symbol of good luck in Roman art. Soldiers would often wear fist-and-phallus amulets for luck in battle and parents would kit their children out with penis-shaped pendants to protect them from the evil eye. The symbols have been found on a wide range of Roman objects by archaeologists and historians, from mosaics to lamps. Along Hadrian’s Wall alone, 59 phallic representations have been identified on the wall and in associated forts.
> Archaeologists unearth lucky penis pendant near Hadrian’s Wall
10 December 2024
Archaeologists from France's National Institute of Preventative Archaeological Research (INRAP) have unearthed an extraordinary Roman domus dating back to the 2nd century CE on the outskirts of ancient Durocortorum, now modern-day Reims. The discovery includes three exquisite bronze statuettes and fragments of frescoes, highlighting the cultural sophistication and wealth of the provincial elite during the Roman era.
Durocortorum was a prominent urban center in Roman Gaul, serving as the provincial capital of Gallia Belgica. At its height, the city followed a Roman urban grid centered on a bustling forum, the nucleus of political and religious activity. However, areas farther from the forum, such as the western fringes where the domus was discovered, remain less understood. This residence, over a kilometer from the forum and situated near the Vesle River, showcases the wealth and artistry of its owners despite its peripheral location.
The domus featured an imposing facade with two grand pillars and walls adorned with frescoes. Among these were depictions of life-sized figures, known as megalographies. Notably, fragments of the frescoes referenced the mythological tale of Achilles and Deidamia, a narrative tied to the Trojan War.
This scene, prized in Roman culture, has only been documented in four other locations: Aquileia, Pompeii, Rome, and now Reims. "Its presence in Reims highlights the cultural connections between this provincial capital and the Roman metropolis," stated INRAP.
Amidst the debris of what appears to have been a fire, three bronze statuettes were uncovered, each remarkable for its craftsmanship and symbolic significance:
Mars: This 18-centimeter-tall depiction of the Roman god of war is adorned with intricate details. Its silver-inlaid eyes lend it a lifelike gaze, while its breastplate features a Medusa head and a relief of the Capitoline wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, iconic symbols of Rome. The statuette rests on a circular base adorned with floral motifs in silver and copper.
The Bull: Measuring 16.7 cm in width and 11.6 cm in height, the bull statuette displays a naturalistic expression, emphasized by its silver-highlighted eyes. It rests on a rectangular base that enhances its stability and showcases the artist's skill.
Female Figure: Standing 30.7 cm tall, this statuette is perhaps the most enigmatic. Initially identified as a goddess, the figure combines diverse mythological elements. She wears a helmet adorned with a sphinx and a crenelated crown, possibly an allegory of a city. Slots on her back suggest the former presence of wings. She wields Hercules' club entwined with a serpent, resting on the Nemean Lion's skin, merging various Roman mythological motifs.
> Archaeologists Uncover Opulent Roman Artifacts in Reims
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