Living in an area that was once occupied by the Romans (French villages with the suffix 'ac' were Roman settlements), I am sure that there are plenty of as yet undiscovered archaeological finds to be made.
The idea of 'finding' things totally fascinates me, whether it be by beach-combing, digging in the garden, or simply discovering something of interest shoved into a hedge.
I always find myself drawn to newly made Molehills; as I pass by, I throw a glance at the freshly churned-up soil hoping that I might discover gold coins, pre-historic flint tools, or maybe even some broken piece of ancient jewellery.
As yet the local Mole population have failed to provide me with anything, but I live in hope.
So that's a molehill, I've never seen one. Or a mole, for that matter, they don't have 'em here. What are those two discs poking out of the top?
ReplyDeleteGOLD.
DeleteI've seen a fair few molehills in my life but never seen anything interesting yet.
ReplyDeleteFieldwalking was quite a productive hobby where I grew up - ploughed fields would still be turning up flint arrowheads and old coins each autumn and once you got your eye in you could pick up a fair bit.
ReplyDeleteYet to spot amber or ambergris on a beach though, that would be pretty much the ultimate for me.
I've found quite a few flint tools; I'm still waiting for the gold.
DeleteYou can glean some comfort from knowing that molehill soil, mixed with a bit of leaf mould, makes excellent potting compost.
ReplyDeleteI do that too. It's the only compensation.
DeleteI also have molehilles in my garden and feel the same about finding any thing here regarding the area was ocuupied by so many nations( Romans, Turks, English).
ReplyDeleteIsrael must be filled with archaeology. Scratch the surface and there it is.
DeleteDon't think the Romans used the Euro!! When our local walk along an old railway line was dug over prior to laying a tarmac base my pal and I walked along looking for " treasure". Needless to say we didn't find any. A few years ago I did find a silvery " dog tag" on the surface of our garden ( after having lived here for 30 years) and it was engraved with the name and address of the family who used to run a general store on the site of the 4 houses that were built in early 60's. The shop had been there for many years, removed in the 50's I think, and I gave the disc to the local history society.
ReplyDeleteI didn't have any Denarius for the photo, so was obliged to use Euros.
DeleteI agree with Weaver. We collect molehills to mix with our own compost for the greenhouse. HOWEVER I would rather not have the blighters in the first place.
ReplyDeleteFollowing ploughs is a good way to find stuff as well.
ReplyDeleteA newly ploughed field just after a downpour is probably the best hunting ground there is.
DeleteWe never found anything in a ploughed field either.
DeleteWhere we have moved to in West Suffolk there is a lot of Anglo-Saxon history. We are also inundated with mole hills which in future I will closely inspect. You've raised my hopes.
ReplyDeleteOur French house being located in a village ending in 'ac', I am grateful for learning it was a one time Roman! As for molehills -- we sure get plenty of those -- but I suspect the critters hord the stuff!
ReplyDeleteThe farm near Orillia Ontario that my folks worked was always in need of 'stone picking'. Dad found quite a few arrow heads that way.
ReplyDeleteI would love to find an arrow head.... I shall keep looking.
DeleteMolehill soil is very good for mixing with compost to help it go a little further.
ReplyDeleteYes, very often spear points and arrowheads are found around here. Also, in creekbeds where you can find old indian pottery. If I lived there, I'd be out with my metal detector all the time looking for things. Love antiquities.
ReplyDeleteWe have molehills here, but I've not found anything in them. The cats like to despatch moles, so most of them have moved out into the field away from the house.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could train Freddie to catch them. I don't mind them in the fields, but in the lawn or veg patch they're a pain in the neck.
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