Archaeologists in Norfolk have uncovered an “extraordinary” Iron Age war trumpet, or carnyx, that may have connections to the Celtic Iceni tribe led by Boudicca during their rebellion against Roman forces in the first century AD.
The bronze instrument, fashioned in the shape of a snarling wild animal, is only the third carnyx ever found in Britain and is the most complete example discovered worldwide. Its design allowed it to be mounted on a long mouthpiece, held high above warriors’ heads, to produce an intimidating sound across the battlefield.
The trumpet was discovered last summer during excavations ahead of a new housing development in west Norfolk. It was found among a collection of Iron Age military artefacts, including a bronze boar’s head battle standard—a find unique in Britain—and five shield bosses. Archaeologists believe the hoard was buried sometime in the first century AD.
Mark Hinman, chief executive of Pre-Construct Archaeology, which led the excavation, described the discovery as “a once-in-a-lifetime, once-in-a-career find.” He said, “I’ve been doing archaeology for over 40 years and I’ve never seen anything like this.”
While the artefacts are remarkable on their own, their possible connection to Boudicca and the Iceni makes the find even more significant. Hinman said, “We are absolutely within the heartland of the Iceni—whether it was they who buried the hoard or not, we just don’t know. But almost certainly the items were buried in the first century AD, and that brings us closer to the Iceni and to Boudicca. They are of such quality that any important people from the Iceni and other groups would have known these objects.”
The artefacts are currently undergoing careful conservation before detailed study can begin. Hinman confirmed that investigating the potential link to the Iceni will be a priority once access to the fragile items is possible.
Historical sources describe the carnyx as a fearsome war instrument used by Iron Age tribes across Britain and Gaul. The Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, writing in the first century BC, noted: “Their trumpets are of a peculiar barbarian kind; they blow into them and produce a harsh sound which suits the tumult of war.” The Gundestrup cauldron, found in Denmark and dating from the same period, depicts three players holding carnyces aloft.
In Britain, only a part of a boar’s head carnyx had survived until now, discovered in 1816 in Moray, northern Scotland, and currently housed at the National Museum of Scotland.
Fraser Hunter, Iron Age and Roman curator at the National Museum of Scotland and a leading authority on carnyces, called the new find “extraordinary” and said it would “add enormously to our understanding of the Iron Age world. The full research and conservation of these incredibly fragile remains will reshape our view of sound and music in the Iron Age.”
Hinman noted the newly discovered carnyx shows signs of repair, indicating it was used over a long period. The instrument was partially dismantled before burial, with the shield bosses carefully placed on top. He added, “The whole of the bell and the head are relatively complete—it’s the only one ever found where they haven’t taken the ears off. It’s got these great big flappy ears which are wonderful, and they’re still in place.”
He reflected on the cultural significance of such objects, saying, “Objects like this remind us how little we know about so many aspects of our past. These objects may have been seen as powerful, even alive at times—the stories are mostly lost. Looking at the carnyx, you kind of feel like it’s looking back at you. It’s quite a thing.”
The hoard is currently in the care of conservation experts at Norfolk Museums Service, with its legal status under the review of a coroner according to the Treasure Act 1996. The discovery will be featured in the second episode of the new series of Digging for Britain, airing on BBC Two on 14 January at 9pm.
