All articles tagged with #roman era
Archaeologists uncovered an almost 2,000-year-old Roman anchor off the UK coast in the North Sea, unusually well-preserved thanks to sand layers and low oxygen. The anchor, found during a seabed survey using sonar, reveals ongoing Roman maritime activity and trade routes in northern European waters.
Metal detectorists in western Wales uncovered two Roman-era lead ingots dating to AD 87 on land in Ceredigion. The rare “lead pigs” shed light on Roman mining and distribution across the empire, with the pieces to be displayed in a 2027 Amgueddfa Cymru archaeology gallery after assessment by the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
New DNA analysis reveals that the Beachy Head Woman, a Roman-era skeleton from Britain, was likely a local Briton with lighter skin and blue eyes, challenging previous assumptions that she was of African or Mediterranean origin based on her physical features.
Thieves broke into Syria's National Museum in Damascus and stole six ancient Roman-era statues, prompting an investigation amid ongoing security concerns following years of civil conflict and recent political changes.
A 1,700-year-old Roman-era egg discovered in Aylesbury, England, has been found to still contain its yolk and egg white, making it a rare and remarkable archaeological discovery. The egg, one of four found at the site, was preserved in a waterlogged pit and was scanned using micro-CT technology, revealing its intact contents. This intact egg is believed to be the only one of its kind found in Britain, shedding light on Roman-era symbolic meanings associated with eggs and offering insights into ancient practices and beliefs.
Nearly 400 Roman-era medical instruments found at the site of Allianoi in Turkey suggest the presence of an ancient medical center where health care workers may have congregated to treat people. The artifacts, dating back 1,800 years, include instruments for surgical procedures such as removing hemorrhoids, extracting bladder and kidney stones, cataract surgery, and wound suturing. While it's unclear how many practitioners worked at the site, it's believed to have been a gathering place for various medical specialists. The discovery sheds light on early group medical practices and hints at the possibility that the renowned ancient doctor Galen may have practiced at Allianoi.
New research suggests that cold snaps during the Roman era may have triggered devastating pandemics, with the three largest pandemics coinciding with abrupt and deep cold periods. The study, which analyzed sediment cores from the Gulf of Taranto, revealed climate variations between 200 B.C. and A.D. 600, linking specific cold periods to major pandemics such as the Antonine Plague and the Plague of Justinian. The correlation between cold climate phases and disease outbreaks highlights the potential impact of climate change on ancient societies and offers insights into the challenges faced by societies today.
A well-preserved dodecahedron, dating back to the Roman era, was discovered in a farmer’s field in England’s East Midlands. This large, grapefruit-sized object is one of about 100 such items found in northwestern Europe, with no inscriptions or known purpose. Archaeologists have suggested various uses, including as toys, dice, or religious objects, but their exact function remains a mystery.
Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered massive structures beneath a Roman-era castle during an excavation, shedding new light on the ancient site. The structures, which are believed to be part of a larger complex, were found beneath the castle's courtyard and are thought to date back to the Hellenistic period. The discovery provides valuable insights into the history and development of the area.
A 2,500-year-old Greek settlement has been discovered beneath Naples, Italy, using cosmic rays and lasers. The remains include temples, a forum, and underground tombs of both Greeks and Christians who lived in the area during the Roman era. The discovery confirms long-held suspicions of ancient Greek burials hidden beneath the city's streets.