Hildesheim Treasure

discovered in 1868 near the city of Hildesheim in Germany.

The treasure contained 69 silver vessels and various other objects, including plates, tureens, cups, goblets, trays, scoops, saltcellars, a small folding three-legged table, a candelabrum, and a three-legged pedestal. Several vessels have relief decoration. The objects of the Hildesheim treasure are of Italic, Alexandrine, and partly of Celtic production, mostly from the first century B.C. (there are objects from the first century A.D.). The treasure is of great significance in the study of the arts and crafts of the Roman Empire; it also characterizes the degree of wealth of upper old German society in the first century.