A few months ago, archaeologists came across the leather sandal of an individual who, around 2,000 years ago, was cleaning a well in what is now Lugo de Llanera, in the north of the Spain.
A former important administrative center
Lugo de Llanera, a town in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, was part of the Roman Empire around 2,000 years ago. At the time, the colony was called Asturias Forest. It was an important administrative and communications center, particularly during the first and second centuries CE. He was probably associated with the management of surrounding lands and collection of taxes. The Romans indeed had the habit of establishing such colonies to facilitate the administration of their vast territories.
It is also here that the famous Greek astronomer, mathematician and geographer Ptolemy wrote his major work, “Geography”.
Archaeological excavations carried out in the region have discovered a number of objects and remains dating from Roman times. These finds include glassware, Gallic and Hispanic sigillata, fine pottery, jewelry, coins, and working tools. These discoveries offer insight into daily life and culture of the time.
More recently, researchers have also come across a leather sandal buried in a well.
A richly decorated shoe
Researchers used a pulley system to safely access the depths of the well, which was covered in stone. The sandal was at a depth of about three meters. The anoxic environment (without oxygen) of the mud in which it lay for two millennia will have prevented deterioration of organic materials like leather. Today it is remarkably preserved.
Archaeologists were impressed by the level of detail and craftsmanship demonstrated in the making of the shoe. The sole of the sandal was particularly ornate, with a multitude of designs, including circles, loops and ovals. It was made from dark brown leather and negative stitching adorned the front of the shoe.
Researchers believe the owner of this sandal had it probably lost while cleaning the inside of the well.
Besides the sandal, the well also revealed other fascinating objects, including ceramic pots, seeds, nuts and shells. They also found a small metal ring, a necklace, beads, a bronze vessel and various pottery.
This discovery allows archaeologists to better understand the life of the inhabitants of this house during the first and second centuries AD. It would seem that they were relatively well off given the diversity and quality of the materials and goods found.
The discoveries around Lucus Asturum also testify to the strategic importance of the city in the commercial and cultural exchanges of the time. Located at a crossroads between Roman territories and the indigenous peoples of the peninsula, the colony played an essential role in the dissemination of products, ideas and know-how. The presence of imported objects and rare materials found during excavations, such as beads and bronze vessels, illustrates this connection between the different regions of the Empire. These elements reveal the Roman influence on local culture as well as the integration of Lucus Asturum into the complex commercial network of the time.
