‘Incredible’ Roman bathers’ gems lost 2,000 years ago found near Hadrian’s Wall
www.theguardian.com
Intricately carved stones that fell down drain at ancient pool uncovered by archaeologists in Carlisle

Taking your valuables with you into a swimming pool is always a risk. The Romans should have paid better heed, judging from the quantity of gemstones recovered from the drain of one of their bathhouses.

As many as 30 semi-precious stones have been discovered by archaeologists almost 2,000 years after their owners lost them at a site in modern-day Carlisle, just behind Hadrian’s Wall.

The stones had dropped out of their ring settings, their glue probably weakened in the steamy baths. They were simply flushed into the drains when the pools and saunas were cleaned.

    • TheDeadGuy@kbin.social
      3·
      1 year ago

      You were supposed to bath naked. The article says that they were concerned that thieves would steal anything left outside the baths. The best strategy was not to bring things of value to the baths but then you’d look like a poor person

  • janus2@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I occasionally forget to take off my birthstone ring at work (not allowed to have jewellery in certain areas) and feel like a real dingus

    It seems this is an ancient human experience :')