An intact Roman egg unearthed in Aylesbury!

In an extraordinary archaeological find in Buckinghamshire, a cache of 1,700-year-old speckled chicken eggs has captivated the attention of experts. However, the true marvel came to light when a recent scan revealed that one of these ancient eggs, now known as the "Aylesbury egg," still contains liquid – a mixture of yolk and albumen. This unprecedented discovery could potentially unveil secrets about the bird that laid it almost two millennia ago.

The Aylesbury egg was among four eggs discovered alongside a woven basket, pottery vessels, leather shoes, and animal bones during a 2010 excavation ahead of a major development. Despite the delicate extraction process, three of the eggs broke, emitting a distinctive sulphurous smell. However, the fourth egg was preserved intact, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for researchers.

Edward Biddulph, the senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, expressed his excitement, stating, “We do often find pieces of shells but not intact eggs.” The preservation of the egg in its entirety is believed to be a unique occurrence in Britain from this period.

The decision to scan the egg, made last year during discussions about its display and preservation, led to an even more astonishing revelation. The scan unveiled that the Aylesbury egg still contains its liquid content – the yolk and the white, which appear to have become mixed over the centuries.

Biddulph suggested that the egg was deliberately placed in a pit that had previously served as a well for malting and brewing. This location, situated next to a Roman road in a wet area, raises intriguing possibilities about the purpose of the egg's placement. Biddulph hypothesizes that the eggs might have been deposited there as a votive offering, while the discovered basket could have contained bread.

The Aylesbury egg has been transported to the Natural History Museum in London for further analysis and preservation. Biddulph admitted to feeling a sense of awe and responsibility while navigating the bustling city with such an extraordinary and fragile archaeological find in his care. As researchers delve into the mysteries held within the Aylesbury egg, this discovery promises to contribute invaluable insights into the lives and practices of ancient Romans.

Photo Credit: Oxford Archaeology