Roman enamel brooch found at Birnie

Celts and Romans at Birnie

What was life like 2000 years ago beyond the edge of the Roman world? At Birnie in north-east Scotland, archaeologists have uncovered an Iron Age power centre which was in close contact with the Romans.

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Among the spectacular finds were two hoards of Roman silver coins – a buried treasure, hidden for almost 2000 years. Click the tabs on the left to find out more about the Roman coins, or about the history behind Celts and Romans at Birnie. Or why not explore some of the other finds from the site?

You can also find out more about the settlement – see what the archaeologists discovered, and try to build an Iron Age house for yourself.

Interactive games

Where and when interactive game

Travel back in time to Iron Age Birnie and discover how people’s homes and lives have changed.

Explore the landscape interactive game

Why was Birnie such a good place to live?

Build your own roundhouse interactive game

Archaeologists found evidence that the people at Birnie lived in large round houses. Can you make one?

Inside the roundhouse interactive game

Come inside your roundhouse! Watch your step - the only light is from the fire.

All images drawn by Alan Braby. All aerial photography © Moira Greig, Aberdeen Archaeology Service.

Excavations were funded by National Museums Scotland and Historic Scotland with support from the Moray Society, the Moray Field Club, RCHAMS, Ian Keillar and William Mustard.

National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130