24/02/2023
Paula Ware, from MAP Archaeological Practice, said the bronze shield was found in a huge grave which contained the skeleton of a man who had been "very revered" and had probably lived between between 220 - 300 BC.
Ms Ware said the man, who was buried with two ponies and a chariot, had been laid on the shield as part of an elaborate Iron Age ritual.
"We had no idea until about 18 months after a period of conservation just how spectacular the shield was - it exceeded all expectations," she added.
Following its showing at the book launch on Thursday the shield will go on temporary display at Malton Museum in April.