Deals and trinkets can be found in your neighbourhood thrift shop.

Real treasure can, too.

Last spring, a keen-eyed customer at the Thrifty Boutique in Chilliwack spotted jewelry that appeared to date to Roman times. Eleven rings and two medallions were on sale for $30, but the anonymous shopper, who had a background in archeology, knew they were worth far more than that.

The discovery started a journey that led to the artifacts being donated to Simon Fraser University in May and becoming both the basis for a new archeology course and future display at the school’s Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

“It’s going to be the best class I’ve ever taught,” said Sabrina Higgins, associate professor of global humanities and archeology, who will teach the class with Cara Tremain, an assistan

See Full Page