1700 year old eggs

A somewhat smelly treasure has been discovered by archaeologists in Aylesbury, England, near Oxford. During the excavation, they found some 1,700-year-old eggs. But they managed to break three of the four. They could tell right away by the strong smell.

The eggs were in a waterlogged pit where archaeologists found other objects. The egg that didn't break is now in the Oxford Archaeological Centre. It is due to go on display at a museum in Buckinghamshire. Experts estimate the eggs are 1,700 years old. They look like stones, but they're still very fragile. That's why three of them cracked.

Archaeologists nearly "passed out" because of the strong smell. Despite the strong smell, which was really awful, we are happy about the discovery. It's incredible that the eggs remained undisturbed for many years because they are really very fragile," said archaeologist Stuart Foreman.

After the eggs were cracked, they released an extreme smell with a sulfurous aroma, Puch was due to the rotting of the proteins - globulin and keratin. The pit where the eggs were found was first used by the Romans to store and brew beer. Later, the locals turned it into a well where they threw eggs instead of coins for good luck. In addition to the eggs, archaeologists have also found coins, a wooden basket, leather shoes and various tools in the pit.

Archaeologists in the UK have found eggs dating back to the Roman Empire in the past. However, these have always been fragments, not whole eggs. That's why the new discovery is so rare. In fact, it's the first time archaeologists have found eggs this old in one piece. Exactly when the public will be able to see the intact eggs is not yet known. But it will probably be next year.

Egg found near Znojmo

However, archaeologists have also made a similar find in the Czech Republic. Nine years ago, they found a 1,200-year-old whole egg near Znojmo. It was found in one of the graves at the former Great Moravian settlement. Eggs were put in graves quite often, but over time they usually all disintegrated. But the egg found near Znojmo was in a pot, which is why it "survived" so many years. The shell of such old eggs is actually so fragile that it breaks.

The contents of the egg found were already in a withered state. Archaeologists have varnished the egg found near Znojmo to make it last for years to come. The shell was a little broken in one place.

Source: www.popularmechanics.com