Rare Tyrian Purple Discovery in Carlisle!
In a recent excavation led by the Uncovering Roman Carlisle project, archaeologists unearthed a remarkable find at the Carlisle Cricket Club grounds in Carlisle, England. This discovery adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing exploration of a Roman bath house initially uncovered in 2017.
The focal point of the project, supported by the community and spearheaded by Wardell Armstrong, revolves around revealing the secrets of the Roman bath house, nestled near the ancient fort of Uxelodunum, also known as Petriana. Situated strategically to control the territories west of modern-day Carlisle and an essential crossing on the River Eden, Uxelodunum housed the Ala Petriana, a formidable cavalry unit rewarded with Roman citizenship for their battlefield valor.
Photo Credit: Frank Giecco
Previous excavations have yielded fascinating artefacts, including colossal sandstone heads depicting Roman deities, intricately carved gems known as intaglios, figurines, animal remains, and imperial-stamped tiles. However, the latest season of digging unearthed something truly unique—a mysterious lump of soft purple substance.
Upon analysis by researchers from Newcastle University, the substance was confirmed to be Tyrian purple, a prized dye associated with the opulence of the Roman Imperial Court. Tyrian purple, extracted from certain predatory sea snails of the Muricidae family, was renowned for its rich hue and was historically one of the world's most sought-after colors.
Frank Giecco, Technical Director at Wardell Armstrong, expressed the significance of this discovery, linking it to the presence of the Imperial Court during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, whose seat of power was in York. Giecco emphasized, "It’s the only example we know of in Northern Europe – possibly the only example of a solid sample of the pigment in the form of unused paint pigment anywhere in the Roman Empire."
The presence of Tyrian purple in Carlisle hints at connections between the region and the grandeur of Roman imperial culture. This finding not only enriches our understanding of the Roman presence in Britain but also underscores the city's significance as a hub of power and prestige during antiquity.
As archaeologists continue to delve into the mysteries hidden beneath the surface, each discovery brings us closer to unraveling the complexities of Roman life and society in Carlisle and beyond. The legacy of Tyrian purple serves as a poignant reminder of the allure and extravagance that defined the ancient world.