Well, it’s not five gold rings, but we’re only two days away from Christmas. An excavation of a Bronze Age settlement in northwestern France has revealed a rare gold ring, swords, and some other interesting items from the period.

INRAP—France’s National Institute for Preventative Archaeological Research—led the excavation, which took place in Brittany. The site contains Bronze Age artifacts but shows evidence of continuous settlement until the 10th century. The excavation contained vases, fragments of terra cotta, swords, coins, and a rare gold ring.

Additionally, recent work suggests the site was part of an ancient trade route that transported goods from across the continent. During the excavation, INRAP archaeologists found a strip of quartz pebbles about 26 feet wide (8 meters wide) they determined to be an ancient road. The sides of the road are bordered by ditches, and archaeologists have identified traces of quartz ruts made by wheeled vehicles. According to an INRAP release, the road probably began between the beginning of the second century and was used until the fourth century.

The gold ring (shown above) was found on that road, and dates to roughly the same time period. The ring is a Roman Nicoloidentified by a number cut into the stone. According to the INRAP release, the figure of the ring could be Venus Victrix, who represents victory for the wearer.

Later, the INRAP team found evidence that a settlement existed on the site between the 5th and 10th centuries, and mainly between the 7th and 8th centuries. The dozen Carolingian denarii (shown at the top of the article) date to the 9th or 10th century.

Although no structures remain at the site, researchers have identified quadrangular plots throughout the site that are separated from each other by canals. Although some plots appear to have buildings, others are used for other purposes, including cultivation and used for grazing.

The team also found underground silos often used to store grain, pits for storing water, and other pits that appear to have been used as hearths or ovens. Some of the ancient terracotta elements used for storage or cooking also show signs of re-use during the Middle Ages, indicating that the later residents of the settlement were aware of older its work.

The INRAP dig is just the latest in some fascinating archeology from France this year. In April, another group studied victim of ritual human sacrifice in the Rhône Valley and found that the practice was widespread throughout Europe during the Neolithic. To read more about this year’s amazing archaeological finds, see our 2024 recap.