Scientists have examined a complete egg from Roman times in Great Britain. “It’s exceptional.”
Archaeologists in Aylesbury, Great Britain, have discovered an intact, complete egg dating back 1700 years. Without breaking the shell, they even managed to peer inside the egg.
The find occurred in the area of a Roman settlement. Britain was part of the Roman Empire for over 350 years. Emperor Claudius’ troops occupied it in 43 AD. Roman influences lasted until the early 5th century and the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Archaeologists investigated a large, damp pit. Inside, they found a series of items: ceramic vessels, a woven basket, coins, leather shoes, animal bones, and… eggs. They survived in a layer of soft, wet mud.
Historical researchers believe that initially, the pit was used to obtain water for brewing beer. Later, its function changed. People placed various items there to appease the gods, thus serving a ritual role.
A rare and delicate find — the egg.
Archaeologists typically discover broken ceramic vessels, stone tools, and bones at European archaeological sites. Other artifacts or items are very rarely preserved.
Therefore, the find of intact eggs on the site dating back 1700 years is unique. Unfortunately, only one out of three eggs was successfully extracted by archaeologists in an undamaged state. The rest cracked, emitting an incredibly intense, sulfurous odor. The surviving egg lay in storage for several years, as the discovery took place in 2010.
However, recently, scientists subjected it to detailed analyses. And they do not conceal their surprise at the results obtained.
Scanning the ancient egg
Expert Dana Goodburn-Brown from DGB Conservation conducted computerized microtomography of the egg. The study confirmed that it is still filled with fluid. There is also an air bubble inside. During manipulation, the bubble moved, surprising the scientists. We don’t know exactly what remains in the egg after such a long time. The yolk and the white have largely decomposed.
The egg was also examined by expert Douglas G. D. Russell from the Natural History Museum in London. “We believe the egg is exceptional. It is the oldest preserved example of a bird egg accidentally preserved found in Great Britain. We know of no equivalent worldwide,” said the expert.
Now researchers will attempt to surround the egg with proper care. It will be a huge challenge for conservators. At the same time, scientists want to determine whether — as they suspect — it was laid by a hen or another bird. Molecular analyses of the unusual artifact are planned for the future. Experts will also compare the egg with those in the vast collection of the Natural History Museum in London.
Mummified eggs
There are older examples of intentionally preserved, mummified eggs from ancient Egypt. This treatment was applied, for example, to the eggs of sacred ibis birds associated with the god of wisdom Thoth, but also crocodiles, associated with the god Sobek.
Egyptian priests would collect eggs from the nests of sacred animals. Some of the hatched animals were later raised in captivity. Upon their death, they were mummified on a mass scale. Some of the mummified animal remains were sold to pilgrims so they could offer them to the gods. Several mummified crocodile eggs can be seen, for example, at the Crocodile Museum in Kom Ombo, Egypt.
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