The discovery of a miniature Roman lock, smaller than a one-euro coin, was presented in Münster by the Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe (LWL). This object, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century AD, stands out not only for its exceptionally small size—just 1.2 by 1.1 centimeters—but also for being a unique find in Europe.

Dr. Georg Lunemann, director of the LWL, expressed his excitement about the discovery: It is impressive that we can find archaeological pieces of such relevance in Westphalia. Despite its tiny size, the historical and cultural value of this lock is immeasurable.

Dr. Barbara Rüschoff-Parzinger, an archaeology specialist and cultural representative of the LWL, highlighted that this object, due to its structure and decoration, aligns with the designs of cylindrical Roman locks used to secure chests and valuable containers.

Roman Gold Lock Germany
The lock at the discovery site. Credit: C. Fried / Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL)

The lock was discovered in 2023 in a cultivated field in Petershagen-Frille, in the district of Minden-Lübbecke, by licensed explorer Constantin Fried. Upon notifying the LWL archaeology team in Bielefeld, experts were astonished. Fried described his amazement upon discovering the small golden piece: When I held it in my hands, I could hardly believe it, as Roman locks are usually much larger and made of iron or bronze.

Preliminary research suggests that the lock could have arrived in Westphalia through various means—whether as a traded object, war loot, or a keepsake brought back by a soldier who had served in the Roman army.

Dr. Michael Rind, head of the archaeological department at LWL, noted that the piece must have been considered an exceptionally rare and valuable object in its time, regardless of whether it retained its original functionality.

Roman Gold Lock Germany
This gold and iron box lock measures 1.1 cm x 1.2 cm and must have been made by a highly skilled craftsman/lockmaker in the provincial Roman area. Credit: S. Brentführer / Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL)

The lock, which lacks its original key and chain, consists of two cylindrical plates secured with three gold rivets. Its detailed decoration and meticulous craftsmanship suggest that it was made in a specialized workshop in the Roman provinces.

To analyze its internal structure, experts turned to advanced imaging technologies. Traditional X-rays did not yield useful results due to the density of the gold, so researchers opted for neutron computed tomography, a technique rarely used in archaeology.

This method allowed for a clear visualization of the internal mechanism components, including a spring frame, latch, and base plate.

Roman Gold Lock Germany
The miniature lock (left) and its larger scale reconstruction (right). Credit: Julia Großekathöfer / Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL)

Analysis revealed that the lock had been tampered with in the past, possibly in an attempt to force it open. Despite the damage, researchers managed to reconstruct its mechanism, allowing for the creation of a functional replica at four times the original scale. This replica, crafted by an LWL restorer, demonstrates how the original piece likely operated and confirms the technical complexity of its design.

The discovery of this miniature lock serves as an exceptional testament to the high level of craftsmanship of Roman locksmiths and the interactions between the local populations of Westphalia and the Roman Empire. According to Dr. Rüschoff-Parzinger, this object provides valuable insights into the commercial and cultural exchanges between local elites and Roman influence.

Questions regarding its exact origin and function remain open: Was it a unique piece commissioned for someone of high status? Were there more locks of this type that have yet to be discovered? Researchers continue to explore these questions, hoping to shed more light on the history of this enigmatic Roman object.



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