Peebles Hoard facts for kids

The Peebles hoard is an amazing collection of ancient objects. It comes from the Bronze Age, a time long ago when people used bronze to make tools and weapons. This special hoard was found near Peebles, Peeblesshire, Scotland, in June 2020.

A 44-year-old hobby metal detectorist named Mariusz Stepien discovered it. The exciting find was announced to the public on August 10, 2020.

Discovering the Ancient Treasure

Mariusz Stepien on site in Peebles in June 2020

Mariusz Stepien found the hoard on June 21, 2020. He is from Poland but lives in Edinburgh. Mariusz had been searching for old items with his metal detector for nine years.

He was exploring a field near Peebles with friends. Around 10 AM, his detector signaled something. He dug down about 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) and found the first item.

Mariusz immediately told the Treasure Trove Unit and National Museums Scotland. These are the experts who handle important discoveries. The site was quickly covered with a tent to protect it.

Archaeologists then worked at the site for 22 days. Mariusz and his friends even camped in the field. They helped protect the area and watched the archaeologists work. All the finds and the soil around them were taken to the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh. The discovery was finally announced on August 10, 2020.

What Was Found in the Hoard?

The Peebles hoard contained several incredible Bronze Age items. They were found exactly where they had been left long ago.

• A complete horse harness – This is like a set of gear for a horse. It had bronze parts and even tiny pieces of leather. These leather bits were so clear that experts could see how they were made.
• A rattle pendant – This was a type of ancient jewelry or charm that would make a sound.
• A sword in its scabbard – The sword was still inside its protective cover. Experts believe this sword is very old, from around 1000 BC to 900 BC.

Why This Find Is Important

The Peebles hoard is very significant for several reasons. Mariusz Stepien reported his find right away. This meant archaeologists could study the items exactly as they were found. This helped them learn a lot about how the items were used.

Finding Bronze Age objects in Scotland is quite rare. This hoard helps us understand the people who lived there 3,000 years ago. It also shows that these ancient Scottish people had connections with tribes in Northern Germany.

See also

• Horsehope Craig Hoard, found at Manor Water, south of Peebles in 1864
• Dowris Hoard, found at Dowris, County Offaly, Ireland in 1820s
• Mooghaun North Hoard, found at Mooghaun North, County Clare, Ireland in 1854