Archaeologists in Britain discovered 36 engraved semiprecious stones from the third century at the site of an ancient Roman bathhouse beneath the Carlisle Cricket Club. The gems, made of materials like amethyst, carnelian, and jasper, likely fell out of wealthy people’s rings after they entered the baths. The water may have loosened the adhesives used in the rings, causing the stones to fall off and sink to the bottom of the baths. Along with the gems, archaeologists found more than 700 items at the Carlisle site, including pottery, clay figures, and more than 100 hairpins.
Archaeologists in Britain have discovered 36 engraved semiprecious stones from the third century at the site of an ancient bathhouse beneath the Carlisle Cricket Club. The jewels likely fell out of wealthy people’s rings after they entered the baths. The bathhouse, located near Hadrian’s Wall in Carlisle, England, was apparently a massive structure. Along with the gems, archaeologists found more than 700 items at the Carlisle site, including glass beads, pottery, clay figures, tiles, and more than 100 hairpins.
Archaeologists have discovered 36 semiprecious stones, likely from signet rings worn by wealthy third-century bathers, in an ancient Roman bathhouse near Hadrian's Wall in Carlisle, England. The intaglios, fashioned from amethyst, jasper, and carnelian, bear images of Roman deities symbolizing war or good fortune. The stones were likely flushed into the drains when the pools and saunas were cleaned. The bathhouse was built around 210 A.D. and was still in use in the fifth century.
