Rare 2,000-year-old war trumpet found in England may be linked to Queen Boudica.

A nearly complete 2,000-year-old Celtic war trumpet (carnyx) was recovered in a metal hoard in West Norfolk, and Pre-Construct Archaeology and Historic England say research and conservation are ongoing.

Archaeologists recovered a rare animal-headed war trumpet, known as a carnyx, from a metal hoard uncovered ahead of residential construction in West Norfolk. The find was announced on Jan. 7 by Pre-Construct Archaeology and Historic England. The hoard is dated to the first century A.D., and researchers report the items may relate to Celtic resistance during the Roman incursion. Conservation and further study of the objects are continuing. Key details: - The hoard contains a nearly complete animal-headed carnyx, a boar-headed military standard, five shield bosses, and other metal items. - Historic England reports this carnyx is one of only three known from Britain and is among the most complete examples found in Europe. - Battle trumpets like the carnyx were used by Celtic tribes in Iron Age Europe and were sometimes taken by Roman soldiers as trophies. - The hoard was removed from the ground in a single block and examined with X-ray imaging and CT scans before careful laboratory excavation. - The National Museum of Scotland produced a replica carnyx that was played by musician John Kenny to demonstrate its sound. Summary: The discovery provides a rare physical example of Celtic military equipment in Britain and may shed light on local responses to Roman expansion. Conservation and research work are ongoing, and the hoard will be featured in an upcoming episode of BBC Two's "Digging for Britain."