Every child dreams of finding buried treasure, maybe even imagining themselves as Indiana Jones, delving into ancient mysteries. In reality, archaeology is less about finding gold and more about carefully excavating locations to preserve and record our shared past.
Animals, often without any intention of preserving history, sometimes stumble upon significant finds while digging. Here are ten of the most fascinating ancient treasures uncovered by our animal friends.
Badger Hoard
Badgers have a mixed reputation with archaeologists. Their extensive underground burrows can sometimes damage buried artifacts. However, sometimes their digging unearths incredible discoveries.
In 2021, in Spain, a badger had to dig deeper than usual to find food during a cold snap. This led to the discovery of a hoard of late Roman silver coins scattered across the cave floor. Archaeologists studied the 209 coins and found they dated back to a time when the Roman Empire was losing its grip in the West.
Mole Artefacts
Many ancient sites are protected by law, forbidding digging to preserve them. Animals, of course, don’t abide by these laws. Hadrian’s Wall in the UK, rich with Roman history, is one such site.
At a Roman fort near the wall, where human exploration is restricted, researchers sift through molehills. These moles have revealed Roman nails, intricate pottery pieces, and necklace beads, offering valuable insights into Roman Britain.
Pig Stone Tools
On the Scottish island of Islay, a gamekeeper used pigs to clear vegetation. These pigs began unearthing stone tools used by some of Scotland’s earliest inhabitants.
Archaeologists were called in, and the tools were identified as dating back to the Mesolithic period, around 9,000 years ago. Further excavation revealed tools even older, predating the pig-found items by 3,000 years, making them the oldest evidence of human activity in Scotland.
Badger Bones
In the 6th century, Wales saw the creation of Britain’s first learning center under Abbot Illtud. Llanilltud Fawr, named after the saint, is home to a church with ancient inscriptions referencing Illtud and Welsh kings.
When badgers started digging up human remains, archaeologists took a closer look. These skeletons dated back to the 7th century and might have belonged to monks from the monastery. This badger-prompted investigation led to the discovery of other graves, bringing researchers closer to one of the initial sites of Celtic Christianity in the UK.
Good Boy’s Bronze Haul
Dogs love to dig, so it’s not surprising they’ve unearthed ancient treasures. In 2018, in the Czech Republic, a man walking his dog, Monty, watched as the dog began to dig and uncover bronze objects roughly 3,000 years old.
Monty had discovered a hoard of Bronze Age tools and bracelets, including 13 sickles and several axe heads. It’s rare to find so many pieces together, suggesting they might have been buried as part of a ritual.
Mole Hoard
Moles, while often a nuisance to pristine lawns, occasionally stumble upon treasure. While burrowing for worms and insects, they sometimes unearth items like gold and silver.
In Ueken, Switzerland, a farmer spotted a glinting object in a molehill, which turned out to be a Roman silver coin. Further excavation revealed over 4,000 silver and bronze coins dating from around AD 300. This trove weighed over 33 pounds (15 kg), representing a small fortune for whoever buried them.
Badger Tombs
Badgers seem drawn to human remains. In 2012, in Germany, a pair of sculptors noticed a badger hole with a human pelvic bone nearby. Old graves had been found in the area before, but these were special.
A camera inspection into the badger sett revealed medieval jewelry, prompting archaeologists to investigate further. They discovered eight graves dating from the 12th century, including those of two high-status men buried with weapons, indicating their affluence.
One man’s tomb was missing a sword, suggesting it had been opened and looted in the past.
Rat Nest Museum
Rats aren’t usually welcome guests, known for making messes and causing damage. However, during renovations at Oxburgh Hall in England, rats offered archaeologists valuable insights into the house’s 15th-century life.
Under the floorboards, builders discovered rat nests formed centuries ago. These nests contained Tudor-era silks, velvets, and pages from a medieval manuscript. Over 200 textile pieces were found, shedding light on clothing from that period.
Mole Strikes Gold
Finding buried gold at an ancient castle is a highlight for any archaeologist. In 2024, a mole made that dream a reality. While digging in the moat at the 14th-century Dundonald Castle in Scotland, the mole unearthed a gold ring set with a purple stone.
The ring, likely made in the early 1500s and set with an amethyst, would have been a valuable item. Amethysts symbolized protection in battle and clarity of mind. The ring band is etched with a vine and leaf motif.
Stray Cat Catacomb
Cats aren’t known for being helpful, but in 2012, a cat led to the discovery of a Roman catacomb. In Italy, Mirko Curti followed his cat as it disappeared into a hole at the base of a cliff. Recent rains had caused a cave to be revealed.
Unable to coax the cat out, Curti followed it inside and discovered ancient Roman niches cut into the walls. These niches once held the remains of Romans, but it appeared the tombs had been raided centuries ago. Without the cat, the tombs might have remained hidden forever.
These animal discoveries remind us that history can be found in the most unexpected places, sometimes with a little help from our furry, scaly, or feathered friends.
Which of these animal discoveries surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
