Ancient fig discovered in Ireland highlights trade with the Roman Empire
- Excavations at Drumanagh, Dublin, revealed a 2,000-year-old fig, the first of its kind in Ireland.
- The fig discovery indicates exotic food trading between the Roman Empire and Ireland, challenging previous notions of culinary exchange.
- This ancient find enhances the understanding of the cultural connections and daily lives of those who inhabited the area thousands of years ago.
In a significant archaeological discovery at Drumanagh, Dublin, Ireland, experts unearthed a fig dating back 2,000 years, marking the first time an actual fruit of this age has been found in Ireland. This discovery is crucial for understanding the historical trade connections between the Roman Empire and Ireland during ancient times. Professor Merial McClatchie from University College Dublin highlights that the fig serves as a strong indication of exotic foods exchanged along trade routes, indicating a wider range of culinary influence than previously acknowledged. Other artifacts discovered during these excavations include metal and ceramic objects, shedding light on the daily lives and consumption habits of the area's ancient inhabitants. Excavations have also revealed food remains preserved in a burned condition, demonstrating early Irish diets included spelt bread, olive oil, and wine, consumed from glass and fine ceramic vessels. The findings suggest a sophisticated level of trade and communication between the Roman provinces and Ireland, positioning Drumanagh as a significant site for understanding ancient cultural interactions. Interestingly, before this discovery, the presence of figs in Ireland was unknown to researchers of antiquity. This fig's antediluvian nature not only represents a remarkable find but also adds depth to the narrative of Ireland's historical relationship with Roman Britain, particularly in the Chester/Wirral region where similar goods and cultural exchanges occurred. While the recent excitement surrounds the fig find, another notable discovery in Ireland involved a large slab of bog butter found in County Donegal, illustrating the richness of Ireland's archaeological heritage and the treasures that lie beneath its soil.