Advertisement

Archaeologists Recover Trove of Ancient Roman Gems That Fell Down Bathhouse Drain in England

Archaeologists in Carlisle, northwest England, discovered ancient artifacts dating back about 2,000 years, including coins, hair adornments, and more than 30 semiprecious stones in a Roman bathhouse in late 2022.

Images captured and posted to Instagram by photographer Anna Giecco show some of the discoveries made at Carlisle Cricket Club, where excavations have been ongoing since 2017.

The decorated stones – also known as intaglios – likely fell out of bathers’ signet rings and were lost down the drains, archaeologist Frank Giecco told the BBC in late January.

A further dig was planned at the site in May of 2023, Frank Giecco said. Credit: Anna Giecco via Storyful

Video transcript

[NO AUDIO]