“Mysterious Purple Substance” Uncovered in Roman Bathhouse
Archaeologists in England have made a remarkable discovery during their ongoing exploration of Roman ruins in Carlisle. The team, led by Wardell Armstrong, stumbled upon a “soft purple substance” while excavating a third-century Roman bathhouse located on the grounds of a cricket club.
Unveiling the Tyrian Purple
Upon further investigation, experts from the British Geological Society and Newcastle University identified the substance as “Tyrian Purple,” a pigment highly valued by the Roman Empire. Made from crushed seashells sourced from the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Morocco, this organic pigment was notoriously difficult to produce, rendering it more precious than gold during ancient times.
Rare Significance of the Discovery
The significance of this finding has researchers speculating that the building under excavation may have been linked to the imperial court, potentially suggesting a visit from the Roman emperor Septimius Severus to Carlisle. Frank Giecco, the technical director of the excavation project, described the discovery as “incredibly rare,” noting that it is the sole known example of the pigment in Northern Europe.
This extraordinary find sheds light on the luxurious tastes and extravagant cultural connections of the Roman elite, providing a glimpse into the opulence of ancient civilizations.