Rare Roman Snail Dye Discovered at UK Cricket Club

A remarkable archaeological find has been unearthed at Carlisle Cricket Club, where a chunk of Tyrian purple, a rare and precious dye made from snails, has been discovered. The find is of international significance, as it is the first time this dye has been found in the UK.

The dye, which is roughly the size of a ping pong ball, was discovered during ongoing excavations at the site, which began in 2017. The excavations have already uncovered a Roman bathhouse, and over 2,000 items, including pottery, weapons, coins, and semi-precious stones.

Lead archaeologist Frank Giecco described the find as "of international significance" and explained that the dye was worth more than gold in Roman times. It was used to dye the clothes of the Roman elite, including figures in the imperial court and the highest echelons of society.

The dye was made from the glands of marine snails, and it took around 12,000 snails to produce just two grams of pigment. The collection and processing of the snails would have been very time-consuming, which is why the dye was so expensive.

The dye was mixed with beeswax to preserve it and was used in ancient Greek and Roman wall paintings, as well as to dye textiles. The discovery of the dye at the Carlisle Cricket Club site is a significant find, and it has taken several months of chemical analysis to verify its identity.

Other significant finds at the site include a pair of Roman god sculptures, which date back to around AD200, and tiles with a Roman imperial stamp, which indicate a link to Emperor Septimius Severus. The building is believed to have been dedicated to the emperor's wife and uses a north African style of bathhouse construction, which is a unique feature.

The excavations at the site are ongoing, and this year's dig will take place from May 7 to June 17. Volunteers are still welcome to sign up to participate in the dig, which is a unique opportunity to be involved in an archaeological excavation.

Overall, the discovery of the Tyrian purple dye at Carlisle Cricket Club is a significant find that sheds light on the lives of the Roman elite and the importance of this rare and precious dye in ancient times.