Excavations uncovered a 2,000-year-old fig, offering insights into trade between the Roman Empire and Ireland.
This ancient fig, among other metal, ceramic, and food remnants (preserved by burning), was unearthed during the dig. University College Dublin announced the discovery.
The find enhances our understanding of goods exchanged between the Roman Empire and Ireland.
“Fig seeds dating back to the 13th century have been found in medieval Dublin, Cork, and other towns,” noted Professor Merial McClatchie, director of UCD’s Ancient Foods research group.
This discovery is unprecedented in Ireland.
“An actual fruit had never been found in Ireland before. The Drumanagh fig’s age is unparalleled; it’s the oldest exotic fruit discovered here,” McClatchie explained.
Trade routes facilitated food exchange. Prior to this, researchers were unaware of figs reaching Ireland centuries ago.
“It’s exciting to imagine someone enjoying this fruit in Ireland long ago,” McClatchie added.
Christine Baker, Fingal County Council’s Heritage officer and archaeologist, led the Drumanagh excavations.
Her team’s discoveries, extending beyond food, illuminate life in ancient Ireland.
“Our excavations reveal more about Drumanagh’s inhabitants,” Baker stated. “We now know there was an import not just of goods but of lifestyles. People by these cliffs consumed spelt bread, olive oil, and figs, using glass and fine ceramic vessels, and wearing brooches and glass beads. Evidence suggests a link to the Chester/Wirral area of Roman Britain during the early Roman conquest.”
Ireland has yielded numerous food-related finds. Recently, a farmer in County Donegal unearthed a 60-pound lump of bog butter.
He detected a “cheesy” smell, leading to this discovery. While not exceptionally rare (around 500 finds recorded), its size is unique.
It’s considered “one of the biggest chunks of bog butter found in Ireland,” according to archaeologist Paula Harvey (The Irish News).
“It was pure luck,” said finder Micheal Boyle (Irish Examiner), describing noticing something in the ground accompanied by a “cheesy smell.”