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A Guide to the Gingers of the World * Newsletters * Sign In Join * Explore Newsletters * Sign In ----------------------------------------------------------------- Join * Places near me Random place Wondrous food to explore and enjoy Gastro Obscura Intriguing stories served fresh daily This 1,700 Year Old Egg Never Broke--And Now It's Further Stunning Scientists They still can't fully crack the mystery. by Colleen Kelly February 23, 2024 This 1,700 Year Old Egg Never Broke--And Now It's Further Stunning Scientists Copy Link Facebook Twitter Reddit Flipboard Pocket It's the oldest unintentionally preserved egg in history. It's the oldest unintentionally preserved egg in history. Courtesy Edward Biddulph In This Story [blank-f2c3] Destination Guide England 144 Articles 2189 Places About 50 miles northwest of London sits a very old wishing well. Romans used to toss objects into the water here, offering items to the gods for good luck. Nearly 2,000 years later, archaeologists are still finding ancient artifacts from what is now a large, muddy pit, including coins, ceramic pots, shoes, and even bones from between 270 and 300 AD. The site is called Berryfields, which has an Iron Age Roman settlement along its southern edge and medieval earthworks are visible in the northeast section. The area was charitably excavated between 2007 and 2016 by Oxford Archaeology, and the results of the fieldwork revealed nearly two millennia of fascinating human activity. A team of researchers from the United Kingdom believe the Romans originally used to extract water for brewing ale, and later transformed the well into a place of ritual. However, in addition to the many objects uncovered from the depths, one item has baffled scientists today: a 1,700-year-old egg that is completely intact. The egg was found some years ago, but more recently, scientists made another discovery about it. A Micro CT scan showed that this ancient egg is still full of liquid. "Organic materials and liquids do not normally survive the depths of time unless in special circumstances," said conservator Dana Goodburn-Brown. "Anaerobic conditions at the site preserved the eggs in situ." The egg was found among three other broken shells, serving as the first evidence of Roman habitation in what is now Britain. This rare artifact is the oldest example of an unintentionally preserved avian egg in existence. It has survived since the third century thanks to the environment within the pit. The clay composition of the waterlogged soil prevented oxygen from circulating around the egg, creating a protective cocoon resistant to decomposition. In addition to an air bubble, the insides are presumably derived from the yolk and albumen. However, it's unclear what exactly remains in the egg or if it was ever fertilized. In addition to imaging, there are a range of molecular and chemical investigative techniques, alongside comparisons with similar collections, that can help determine what's inside. But ultimately, the egg will need to be pierced to remove its contents for a full analysis. "Researchers are planning to carefully extract the liquid to better study it," stated Edward Biddulph, Senior Project Manager, who oversaw the site excavation. "It's a controlled process similar to egg blowing, where a tiny hole is made in its shell after creating a 3D model." Scientists are now planning to remove the liquid insides.Scientists are now planning to remove the liquid insides. Courtesy Edward Biddulph Scientists are eager to use DNA testing to establish the species that laid the egg. They can't yet confirm if Romans took the egg from a wild or domesticated bird, but it's highly suspected to come from a breed of chicken. Chickens were revered during Roman times for their use in traditional zootherapy healing and their symbolic connections with rebirth. This information has potential to divulge important archaeological insights into the culture of ancient Romans, particularly their ritual deposition and animal introductions. "Normally, we find eggs broken, fragments of shell, sometimes alongside the nail itself that ceremonially broke the egg. So to find one whole is not just unusual in the sense of preservation, but also for having never been broken in the first place," said Steven Ellis, a Roman archaeologist. "Eggs hold a place in Roman ritual, often associated with birth and fertility." It will take many years for the full archive of the site to be studied and conserved, and only then will we see this incredible relic on display at London's Natural History Museum. Gastro Obscura covers the world's most wondrous food and drink. Sign up for our regular newsletter. Read next 7 Crazy True Stories About the Victorian Era Plus three that are, sadly, just myths. [blank-f2c3] iron ageritualswellseggsromanancientnews Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member. Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member. Using an ad blocker? We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world's hidden wonders. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Continue Using Ad-Block Support Us Keep Exploring Yellow citrons. ancient In Ancient Rome, Citrus Fruits Were Status Symbols A new study shows how the taste for citrons, lemons, and pomelos evolved. Natasha Frost July 25, 2017 In Pompeii, four individuals who perished together were long thought to be a mother, father, and their two children. New research says otherwise. ancient In Pompeii, the Dead Have New Stories to Tell What we got wrong about some of the ancient city's most famous victims. Roxanne Hoorn November 11, 2024 A glorious night sky seen through Owachomo Bridge in Utah's Natural Bridges National Monument, which was named the world's first International Dark Sky Park in 2007. vikings Archaeologists Explore Life After Dark in the Ancient Night Studying our ancestors' nocturnal lives reveals the value of reclaiming darkness. Nancy Gonlin and April Nowell October 7, 2024 Roman emperors threw opulent feasts and parties to demonstrate their wealth and power. ancient Inside Roman Emperors' Outrageously Lavish Dinner Parties From Nero's revolving dining room to Augustus's rigged lottery. Guy de la Bedoyere May 21, 2024 [bCAwMy5qcG] Video * Object of Intrigue The Value of the Largest Egg in the World 3:11 More Food & Drink [blank-f2c3] Oxford, England Lamb and Flag A less famous, short-lived meeting spot of the Inklings. [blank-f2c3] London, England M. Manze The oldest surviving "eel, pie, and mash" shop in London is renowned for its infamous jellied eels. [blank-f2c3] Oxford, England Queen's Lane Coffee House Originally founded in 1654, this coffee house claims to be the oldest of its kind in Europe. [blank-f2c3] Manchester, England The Shakespeare This haunted 17th-century pub was moved to a new city when it was already almost 300 years old. [blank-f2c3] London, England Eko Brewery and Taproom Named for the Yoruba word for Lagos, this craft brewery draws on European beer-making and West African palm wine-fermenting techniques. Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member. From Around the Web ATLAS OBSCURA BOOKS A Visual Odyssey Through the Marvels of Life Venture into Nature's Unseen Realms with Our New Book Atlas Obscura: Wild Life Order Now Gastro Obscura Book [] See Fewer Ads Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups. Learn More Get Our Email Newsletter [ ] [ ] Thanks for subscribing! 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