Stories with Tag artifacts

• 1,700 year old egg never broke

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  Posted: 2025-04-14 17:32:49

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  Archaeologists in England unearthed a remarkably intact, 1,700-year-old Roman chicken egg during a waterlogged site excavation. While other eggs from the same site broke upon discovery, this one remained whole, likely due to its preservation in a soft, oxygen-poor environment. Although the egg did eventually crack during a later cleaning, it initially held its shape and even contained some liquid within. Researchers believe the egg was a votive offering, intentionally placed at the site as part of a ritual practice.

  In a remarkable feat of archaeological preservation, a nearly perfectly intact chicken egg, estimated to be approximately 1,700 years old, has been unearthed in England, specifically within the waterlogged confines of a Roman-era well located at Berryfields, Aylesbury. This extraordinary discovery, dating back to the 4th century CE, provides a tangible link to the dietary habits and agricultural practices of Roman Britain. Remarkably, despite the passage of centuries and its submersion in the well, the egg's delicate shell remained predominantly whole, suffering only a minor fracture.

  The egg's long-term survival can be attributed to the unique environment in which it was discovered. The well, acting as a sort of time capsule, offered a stable, oxygen-deprived environment, thereby inhibiting the decomposition processes that typically degrade organic matter. This anaerobic environment, coupled with the cool, consistent temperatures provided by the water, effectively halted the natural decay of the egg. Furthermore, the mineral-rich water likely contributed to the preservation of the shell's structural integrity over such an extensive period.

  Upon its careful retrieval from the well, archaeologists noted that the egg still contained some of its original liquid contents. While undoubtedly transformed by time and the surrounding environment, the presence of any liquid at all is a testament to the remarkable preserving power of the well. This residual liquid offers tantalizing clues about the egg's original composition and could potentially provide valuable insights into the biological makeup of chickens from that era. Further scientific analysis of the egg's contents and shell could yield even more detailed information regarding the environment and dietary practices of the period.

  The discovery of this ancient egg represents more than just a curious oddity; it serves as a valuable artifact, offering a tangible connection to the daily lives of people living in Roman Britain. It underscores the importance of archaeological investigation and the potential for even seemingly mundane objects to reveal significant details about the past. The fragility of the egg, coupled with its remarkable survival, highlights the precarious nature of organic preservation and the exceptional circumstances required for such artifacts to endure across millennia.

  • archaeology
  • History
  • Ancient Rome
  • Roman Empire
  • egg
  • preservation
  • britain
  • England
  • artifacts
  • discovery
  • Science
  • organic material
  • unusual discoveries
  • remarkable preservation

  Summary of Comments ( 25 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43683870

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  Hacker News users discussed the fragility of the egg and the unlikelihood of it surviving intact for so long. Some questioned the claim it hadn't broken, suggesting hairline fractures invisible to the naked eye were possible. Others pointed to the potential for the egg to be much younger than claimed, citing the difficulty of precise dating for organic materials. The discussion also touched on the variability of preservation conditions in different soil types, and speculated about the egg's original purpose, like being part of a burial ritual. Some users expressed disappointment that the article lacked information about the egg's contents beyond it being "liquid," and hoped future analysis would reveal more.

  The Hacker News post titled "1,700 year old egg never broke" (linking to an Atlas Obscura article about a Roman-era egg found intact underwater) generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on speculation about the egg's preservation and the plausibility of the story.

  Several commenters questioned the egg's age and the claim it hadn't broken. One user pointed out the discrepancy between the headline's claim of 1,700 years and the article's mention of a 4th-century Roman ship, suggesting a potential error in the dating. Another commenter expressed skepticism about the egg remaining intact, given the fragility of eggshells and the pressures of being submerged for such a long period. They suggested it might be a fossilized egg or that some form of mineralization had occurred.

  A few commenters delved into possible explanations for the egg's preservation. One proposed the egg might have been stored in an airtight container, perhaps a ceramic jar with a sealed lid, which could have protected it from the elements and prevented decomposition. Another speculated about the role of the anaerobic underwater environment in preventing bacterial breakdown, potentially contributing to the egg's long-term survival. A commenter with apparent archaeological knowledge suggested that the mud and sediment at the bottom of the water could have created a stable, low-oxygen environment that aided in preservation.

  Some comments offered lighter takes on the situation. One user jokingly pondered the potential smell upon opening the egg, anticipating a potent aroma. Another quipped about the possibility of extracting ancient DNA and recreating Roman-era chickens.

  While a few commenters expressed interest in learning more about the scientific analysis of the egg and hoped for future updates, the overall tone of the discussion was one of cautious curiosity mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. There wasn't a single "most compelling" comment, but rather a collection of observations and hypotheses reflecting a shared interest in the unusual find.

• Divers recover Phoenician shipwreck that sank 2.6k years ago off coast of Spain

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  Posted: 2025-01-16 20:25:36

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  Divers off the coast of Spain have recovered remnants of a Phoenician shipwreck dating back approximately 2,600 years. The vessel, discovered near Mazarrón, carried ingots of tin likely originating from the Iberian Peninsula or even Cornwall, suggesting extensive trade networks during the 7th century B.C. Researchers believe the ship sank during a storm while en route to Cadiz, where the tin would have been exchanged for other valuable goods. The recovered artifacts, including the remarkably well-preserved tin ingots marked with Phoenician script, offer valuable insight into ancient maritime trade and shipbuilding practices.

  In a remarkable feat of underwater archaeology, a team of divers, operating under the auspices of the Andalusian Institute of Historical Heritage, has successfully salvaged the remnants of a Phoenician shipwreck lying dormant off the southern coast of Spain near Mazarrón, Murcia. This ancient vessel, tragically lost to the depths approximately 2,600 years ago—placing its demise within the 7th century BCE—represents a significant discovery for researchers eager to unravel the mysteries of Phoenician maritime activity in the western Mediterranean. The ship, believed to have been a merchant vessel plying the trade routes of the era, was laden with ingots of a lead-silver alloy known to the Phoenicians as "plumbum argentarium." This precious cargo, carefully stowed within the ship's hold, offers valuable insight into the economic and metallurgical practices of the time. The ingots, numbering over 20 and each weighing approximately 50 kilograms, were molded in distinctive “ox-hide” shapes, a hallmark of Phoenician craftsmanship. This unique characteristic not only confirms the vessel’s origins but also speaks to the sophisticated metalworking techniques employed by this seafaring civilization.

  The recovery of the shipwreck itself was an intricate and painstaking process. Divers, working meticulously in the challenging underwater environment, carefully extracted the fragmented timbers of the hull along with its valuable metallic cargo. The delicate nature of these ancient artifacts necessitated a measured approach to ensure their preservation and prevent further deterioration. The recovered materials will undergo extensive analysis and conservation efforts by experts at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena. This meticulous examination will undoubtedly shed light on the ship's construction methods, the precise composition of its cargo, and potentially reveal additional clues regarding the circumstances surrounding its unfortunate sinking. This discovery holds immense potential for furthering our understanding of Phoenician shipbuilding, trade networks, and their overall influence on the Iberian Peninsula during this pivotal period in history. The recovery of this ancient shipwreck provides a tangible link to a bygone era, offering a unique window into the lives and endeavors of the intrepid mariners who navigated the Mediterranean waters millennia ago.

  • Phoenician
  • shipwreck
  • Spain
  • archaeology
  • maritime history
  • Ancient History
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • underwater archaeology
  • shipbuilding
  • trade routes
  • artifacts

  Summary of Comments ( 79 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42730449

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the exciting discovery of the 2,600-year-old Phoenician shipwreck. Some express amazement at the preservation of the ship after so long underwater, particularly the survival of organic materials like wood. Several commenters delve into the historical significance of the find, highlighting the Phoenicians' extensive maritime trade network and the potential for this wreck to offer new insights into their seafaring technology and trade practices. One user questions the description of the ship as "Phoenician," pointing out the complexities of assigning a distinct national identity to ancient Mediterranean peoples. Others discuss the legal and ethical aspects of recovering artifacts from shipwrecks, and the challenges of preserving them. Several share additional resources, including links to documentaries about ancient shipwrecks and information about other Phoenician archaeological finds.

  The Hacker News post regarding the Phoenician shipwreck off the coast of Spain generated several comments, offering various perspectives and additional information.

  Some commenters focused on the historical context. One user highlighted the significant role of Phoenician trade routes in the Mediterranean, noting their influence on the spread of culture and goods. They expressed fascination that such a vessel could survive for so long, albeit in fragments. Another commenter speculated on the ship's cargo and its potential connection to the tin trade, a vital resource for bronze production during that era. They questioned if analysis of the wreckage might offer insights into the ancient tin trade routes.

  A few comments delved into the practicalities of the discovery. One person inquired about the methods used to locate and excavate the wreck, specifically asking about the role of sonar and other marine archaeological techniques. Another individual questioned the extent of the ship's preservation, pondering how much of the original structure remained intact after centuries submerged. They also wondered about the challenges of conserving such delicate artifacts retrieved from the sea.

  The discussion also touched upon the cultural and historical implications. A commenter reflected on the long span of time represented by the shipwreck, emphasizing the continuous human presence in the region across millennia. Another user lamented the historical looting that has occurred in similar discoveries, expressing hope that this particular find would be properly preserved and studied. They also stressed the importance of protecting such underwater cultural heritage.

  Finally, some comments provided additional links and resources, expanding on the information presented in the original article. One user shared a link to a documentary about ancient shipwrecks, while another provided a resource about Phoenician history and seafaring. These additions enriched the conversation and provided further avenues for exploration.