Remember those mini locks we used when we were kids to keep our diaries safe?
It seems like the ancient Romans may have also delighted in such miniature objects.
A metal detectorist in Germany has unearthed a tiny ancient Roman golden lock.
The tiny ancient Roman lock discovered in Germany.© LWL / S. Brentführer
In fact, it was identical to a regular ancient Roman lock in everything but its size.
A single chain link survived, and is still visible inside the lock.
I could hardly believe it myself when I held the find in my hand, said Fried.
The discovery of the lock. © LWL / C. Fried
Hed found the artifact in a field in 2023.
Because such Roman locks are usually much larger and consist of iron or even bronze parts.
The external sheet is intricately carved.
The processed neutron CT images. They reveal a frame with spring (red), bolt (blue), broken bolt guide (yellow), pin for the key (green), base plate (purple) and a chain end link (orange). © Paul Scherrer Institute/Villigen (Switzerland)/David Mannes; Montage: LWL/Corinna Hildebrand
Even 1,600 years ago, locals likely saw it as spectacularand may have even worn it as jewelry.
Was it a one-off production or have similar precious miniatures just not been found yet?
These and other questions will keep us busy for some time, Rind added.
The large reconstruction of the closed lock with the chain and key, by LWL /Eugen Müsch. © LWL /Stefan Brentführer
But could it really function like a true lock, or was it just a beautiful curiosity?
To answer that, the researchers examined the objects interior.
An LWL-Archaeology restorer then crafted a functional replica of the lock, complete with a chain and key.
That doesnt mean ancient Romans couldnt have worn the functioning lock as jewelry anyway.
Perhaps the true revelation is that our obsession with chunky chain necklaces and lock charms began 1,600 years ago.
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