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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Dalya Alberge

‘Incredible’ Roman bathers’ gems lost 2,000 years ago found near Hadrian’s Wall

Three of the semi-precious stones discovered by archaeologists near Hadrian’s Wall.
Three of the semi-precious stones discovered by archaeologists near Hadrian’s Wall. Photograph: Anna Giecco

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.

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