In the heart of Carlisle, England, archaeologists recently unearthed a fragment of Tyrian purple within an ancient Roman building, suggesting close links with the imperial court of Emperor Septimius Severus. This discovery, made during excavations led by Wardell Armstrong in collaboration with Newcastle University and the British Geological Society, highlights a little-known aspect of Roman influence in northern Europe.
This pigment, used to dye the clothing of elites, was once more valuable than gold and its production required thousands of sea snails. Its presence in Carlisle poses new questions about the cultural practices and status of this region in Roman times, as recalled in the Wardell Armstrong company press release.
A Pigment of inestimable value
First, let’s define what Tyrian purple is. It is a pigment that has embodied exclusivity and luxury since ancient times. According to Frank Giecco, technical director at Wardell Armstrong, this dye was extracted from the hypobranchial glands of specific marine molluscs.
It therefore mainly came from snails of the species Bolinus brandaris. The production method was extremely laborious. It required the collection of thousands of these molluscs to obtain a minimal amount of dye. In fact, around 12,000 snail shells produced only two grams of pigment. This rarity and labor intensity justify the status of this pigment, often considered more precious than gold. It perfectly symbolized power and prestige.
Historically, Tyrian purple was therefore reserved for the elite. Particularly to emperors and members of the high society of the Roman Empire. This tradition aimed to visually mark social distinctions and assert imperial authority. The recent discovery of this pigment in an ancient Roman building in Carlisle raises questions about the extent of its use beyond centers of power like Rome.
Purple in a Roman bath
The revelation of Tyrian purple emerged during excavation work at the historic Carlisle Cricket Club site. This area contains the remains of a construction dating from the 3rd century. Roman baths emerged from the site in 2017. Over the past three years, 2,000 objects (pottery, weapons, coins and semi-precious stones) have been discovered.
This discovery is all the more significant as it is located in a region far from the main centers of power of the Roman era. The association of this structure with Roman baths, places of socialization and relaxation favored by the elite, reinforces the hypothesis of a link with the imperial court. Experts place it during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. He is known for his military campaigns and his extended stays in the northern provinces of the Empire. Additionally, in 2021, tiles bearing a Roman imperial stamp were discovered.
Extensive analyzes were carried out to authenticate the pigment fragment discovered. Led by experts from the University of Newcastle and with the support of the British Geological Society, these analyzes confirmed the presence of bromide and beeswax. These are the key components in the making of Tyrian purple. They thus attest to its authenticity and its remarkable conservation. Beeswax was used to stabilize the color and extend the durability of the pigment. This refined practice testifies to the technological advancement and know-how of the artisans of the time.
Other discoveries include a pair of sculptures of Roman gods discovered in May last year. They date back to the year 200 AD. Semi-precious stones remained in the site’s pipes. The steam from the baths will probably have loosened their glue settings.
Implications and Perspectives
The presence of Tyrian purple in Carlisle is not just another archaeological discovery. It represents a crucial clue to understanding the scope of Roman imperial influence in the peripheral regions of the Empire. This dye suggests complex cultural interactions and exchanges between the center of the Empire and its borders. According to Frank Giecco, “ The discovery of this pigment, coupled with highly significant Roman artifacts, reinforces the hypothesis that Carlisle had a special stature. Possibly linked directly to the presence or visits of prominent members of the imperial court “. This perspective is also based on the very nature of the site, a bathing complex. It was a privileged meeting place for the elites.
Frank Giecco states that: “ This is the only example we know of in Northern Europe – perhaps the only example of a solid sample of pigment in the form of an unused paint pigment in the Roman Empire. Examples of this have been found in wall paintings (such as at Pompeii) and in some high-class painted coffins from the Roman province of Egypt “.
The importance of this find therefore goes beyond the local framework to touch on the global history of the Roman Empire. As a researcher from Newcastle University points out, “ the presence of Tyrian purple in this region, far from the great imperial metropolises, illustrates a much larger and perhaps more strategically planned network of influences than current theories suppose “.
By studying the distribution and use of such materials, historians can better understand the power structures and relationships within the Roman Empire. They offer an enriched understanding of the political and cultural dynamics of this era.
