Home / Science / Rare Roman Dye Unearthed in UK Graves
Rare Roman Dye Unearthed in UK Graves
31 May
Summary
- Ancient Roman purple dye, worth three times gold, found in UK infant burials.
- Babies were wrapped in Tyrian purple cloth adorned with gold thread.
- Gypsum preserved textile fragments and dyes from Roman burial rituals.
Archaeologists in York, United Kingdom, have made a remarkable discovery, unearthing traces of Tyrian purple dye within Roman-era infant burials. This rare dye, highly prized during the Roman period for its association with royalty and immense luxury, was found on fine textiles that also featured gold thread. The use of such opulent materials indicates that the infants belonged to families of considerable social standing, as Tyrian purple was typically reserved for emperors and the aristocracy.
The Romans valued this dye so highly that it commanded a price up to three times that of gold. Its production involved crushing the shells of murex mollusks, a labor-intensive process. The remarkable preservation of these textiles and the dye's traces is attributed to the Roman burial ritual of pouring liquid gypsum over the bodies. This gypsum hardened over time, protecting imprints and fragments of the fabrics, along with any original dyes.
This discovery marks the first instance of this costly dye being found on Roman textile remains in York, a city then known as Eboracum, founded around 71 A.D. and a provincial capital until the early fifth century. The find offers insights into the high-status goods available to wealthy inhabitants and highlights the emotional significance of providing a lavish send-off for a child in tragic circumstances.
