TOT Roman finger ring   WMID-63F643

This in an example of a ‘TOT ring’ which are thought to represent the Celtic god Toutatis (Totatis), with T O T being an abbreviation of the gods name.  In the French comic, Asterix, the oath “By Toutatis!” is often uttered by Asterix the Gaul!

However, these rings are mainly recorded in the East Midlands with their production spanning 100-300AD and may represent a local cult. The PAS has recorded   89 examples from an area between Leicester, Sheffield and Hull, with the majority coming from Lincolnshire.

This example was found in Hallaton parish, north of the hoard site within a small scatter of Roman artefacts.

Four other examples have been found in the area, two from Willoughby on the Wolds (Notts), a known temple site (LEIC-2B87D2 and  LEIC-D6B504 pictured),  one from Goadby Marwood (LEIC-D6A154 pictured) , a large Roman town near Melton, Leics. and one copper alloy example from south of Goadby (LEIC-824A6D)  in a large scatter,  suggesting a religious site.

The Hallaton TOT ring was found in 2012 and can be seen at Harborough Museum