Archaeologists Find 2,000-Year-Old Gemstones in Drain Beneath a Roman Bathhouse
Molly Enking
Daily Correspondent / February 2, 2023
The stones, known as intaglios, likely fell from the rings of wealthy bathers
Down a drain beneath the murky waters of an ancient Roman bathhouse in Carlisle, England, near Hadrian’s Wall, archaeologists have discovered a trove of gemstones lost by bathers 2,000 years ago.
More than 30 gems—including amethyst, jasper and carnelian—have been found so far during excavations at the site. Wealthy bathers likely dropped them back in the opulent bathhouse’s heyday in the second or third century C.E.
Tap here to read the full story in the Smithsonian.
An array of semi-precious gemstones found at a Roman bathhouse in England. (Image credit: Anna Giecco)
