Archaeologists in England have discovered a monumental ancient building. Not only was this the burial site of a powerful female clan leader, but it represents the largest illegal silver production or smithing site in the Roman Britain era.
The ancient crypt was discovered in 2005 at Grange Farm, in Gillingham, Kent, England. Archaeologists inspecting the site prior to a house-building project discovered two iron spearheads, which subsequently launched a 15-year research project that has resulted in the recovery of 453 Roman coins, 20,000 fragments of pottery weighing 259 kilograms (571 pounds), and 8,000 animal bones.
Now, the researchers have announced that they have amassed 15 kilos (33 pounds) of “litharge,” which is the largest amount ever to be uncovered at a Roman Britain site. Litharge is a secondary lead oxide by-product of silver extraction, which forms from the oxidation of galena ores. This 15-kilo haul suggests a Roman period clan was making illegal silver, behind closed doors, and away from the watchful eyes of Roman tax officials.
