Segontium Gold Plate

SEGONTIUM GOLD PLATE 

In 1827, during excacation of the Cefn Hendre in Segontium (Caernarvon), Wales, a number of first- and second-century AD items were uncovered, including datable Roman coins.  Among the finds was a very thin plate of gold, four inches by one inch, inscribed with a Jewish liturgical formula of 26 lines, written in Greek letters, with an underlying Hebrew text (some of the names were also Hebrew). Considered a Basilidian talisman, the Greek text is followed by one in astral or magical characters.