He was, say historians, one of the Roman empire's most hapless rulers.  

But Honorius, who was emperor from 393 to 423, seems to have had some fans - at least in Norfolk. 

A gold pendant showing his face which was created many years after his death has been discovered by a metal detectorist in field in Attleborough

Its significance prompted an inquest to be held this week where it was officially declared treasure. 

Adrian Marsden, numismatist at Norfolk County Council, who compiled a report for the hearing, said the item was a made from an imitation coin.

It dates back to the early medieval period, which followed the end of the Roman Empire, and would have been worn with Honorius' face on display. 

Norfolk County Council numismatist Dr Adrian Marsden Norfolk County Council numismatist Dr Adrian Marsden (Image: Steve Adams)

The pendant was found on January 29, 2023. 

Its precise location has not been revealed. 

 Jacqueline Lake, Norfolk's most senior coroner, told the hearing: “Mr Marsden states the find is a gold pendant which copies a solidus (coin) of the Roman Emperor Honorius, who ruled between 393 to 423. 

“He describes it as having a corrugated suspension loop with four longitudinal ribs and three groves neatly attached at the 12 ‘o’ clock point on the obverse and reverse. 

“The loop is now considerably worn; the ribs being worn completely away at the top.  

“The lower edge of both faces is also worn. 

“It seems likely the pendant was worn with the head – the obverse – on display.” 

His report states that find represents an early-medieval copy of a late Roman original which was “almost certainly specifically” made for use as a pendant and likely cast in a mould.

While gold pendants made from looped coins or imitation coins are a well-known, they are not "a common phenomenon” in the early-medieval world, the report added. 

Ms Lake said: “As the object is made of more than 10pc precious metal and is over 300 years old, it constitutes as treasure under the Treasure Act 1996.” 

READ MORE: Norfolk named as top place in UK for finding buried treasure

Early-medieval gold pendant made from an imitation coinEarly-medieval gold pendant made from an imitation coin (Image: British Museum)

THE REIGN OF HONORIUS

The reign of Honorius -whose father was an emperor - saw continued barbarian incursions into Gaul, Italy and Hispania. At the same time, a host of usurpers rose up.

The situation in Britain was even more difficult with provinces left isolated and lacking in support from the Empire.

At one point, Britain may have been told to look after its own affairs and expect no aid from Rome.

The Sack of Rome in 410 was seen as a major landmark in the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Joseph-Noel Silvestre's The Plunder of RomeJoseph-Noel Silvestre's The Plunder of Rome (Image: Joseph-Noel Silvestre)