“Lost for Centuries: A Metal Detectorist Unearths a Stunning Golden Roman Lock That Could Rewrite History!”
Researchers Analyze The Miniature Roman Lock And Create A Larger Replica
Once researchers had the lock in hand, they were able to conduct a more thorough analysis of its construction. While the key and chain were missing, they did observe that the lock itself was comprised of two cylindrical metal sheets closed with lids on top and at the bottom, secured with three rivets. Restorers also observed a rusty iron core and a broken bit of the end of a chain link, calling into question whether the lock had once had a functioning mechanism.
Paul Scherrer Institute/Villigen [CH]/ David MannesCT imagery of the Roman lock.
To answer this question, they used a “3D neutron computed tomography” (CT), a technique rarely used in archaeological examinations. However, in this instance, it was necessary, as according to Rind, “Even a 3D X-ray computer tomography scan could only show the rivets, which are also made of gold, and the chain end link inside due to the high density of the gold lock casing.” The researchers needed to see how the lock worked on the inside, though.
Thankfully, the CT examination made this possible. The high-resolution image quality allowed the team to learn how the lock worked, revealing cross-sections of a frame with a spring, guide rail, bolt, base plate, and a pin. In other words, it did indeed function.
LWL/Stefan BrentführerThe replica Roman lock, four times the size of the original.
“They also showed that the mechanism is largely complete but damaged, because someone had obviously poked around in the lock at the time, probably to break it open or to remove a blockage,” said Fried.
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