Rare Intact Roman Egg Found in the UK in 'Amazing' Discovery
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, researchers have unveiled the secrets hidden within a Roman egg dating back almost two millennia. The egg, found alongside three others during an excavation in Aylesbury, England, has astounded experts with its remarkably preserved liquid contents.
Senior curator of birds' eggs and nests at the Natural History Museum (NHM), Douglas G.D. Russell, described the find as unprecedented, stating, "This is the oldest unintentionally preserved avian egg I have ever seen. That makes it fascinating." The egg, believed to have been laid in the late 3rd century AD, is a rare example of a naturally preserved ancient avian egg.
Excavation by Oxford Archaeology in 2010 found eggs in a pit, once a water source, repurposed for ancient rituals. Edward Biddulph, senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, explained that such areas in the Roman world often encouraged rituals akin to modern practices of tossing coins into fountains.
Of the four eggs discovered, three remained intact but were extremely fragile. Two cracked upon removal from their wet conditions, emitting a distinct "sulphurous aroma." However, it wasn't until August that researchers found liquid inside the remaining egg. Utilizing micro-CT scanning technology, they confirmed the presence of both yolk and white, astonishing the archaeological community.
Biddulph expressed his awe at the find, stating, "I've never ever seen something like this before. It's amazing. It looked so modern; it looked so new." However, handling such a fragile artifact has not been without its challenges. Biddulph admitted to moments of nervousness, particularly when transporting the egg in a special box on public transport in London for examination.
The discovery sheds new light on ancient Roman rituals and provides a unique glimpse into the daily lives and beliefs of individuals from nearly two millennia ago. As experts continue to study this remarkable find, it underscores the enduring mysteries waiting to be uncovered beneath the layers of history.
