TEEN WITH MEDAL DETECTOR DISCOVERS BRONZE AGE TREASURE

Every child aspires to uncover hidden riches. Most surprisingly, 13-year-old Milly Hardwick's wish has come true. The British teenager, accompanied by her father and grandfather, was out searching a field close to Royston, England, when she swung her metal detector over the ideal location and struck gold—almost literally. Hardwick and her father started excavating as soon as the high-pitched screech of the detector informed them of their discovery. An axe that was about 3,000 years old was the first artefact they discovered.

Regarding her surprising discovery, Milly adds, "I was simply shocked." "All we could do was laugh uncontrollably."

Excitedly, the three danced as they dug further to see what more might be hidden beneath the earth. They discovered a total of 65 antique relics, including bronze blade bits, axe heads, and cake ingots. Only eight feet from the treasure that the Hardwick family had initially uncovered, archaeologists from Oxford Archaeology East discovered another one when they were called in to conduct a professional excavation of the site. A total of 200 objects were found in the two treasure troves.

Following additional examination of the discovery, the environment committee of the Cambridgeshire County Council verified that the artefacts are, in fact, from the Bronze Age. This period, which lasted in Britain from roughly 2300 BCE to 800 BCE, saw the introduction of metal jewellery and weapons as well as the development of tools made from metal alloys like bronze. The Bronze Age also saw the construction of historic structures like Stonehenge.

Hardwick's discovery is undoubtedly noteworthy due to its ancient provenance. It will be unlawful to sell the hidden antiquities, though, if they are found to be "treasure," which is defined by British law as items that are at least 300 years old and composed of at least 10% gold or silver. Rather, a committee will need to determine their worth first. The finder or landowners would then be eligible to receive a reward if a museum ever wanted to purchase the items.

However, money isn't the most significant factor for Hardwick. The youngster has been taking her metal detector out with her father and grandfather on most weekends since her big find in the hopes of making another amazing discovery.