One of the main objectives of classical education is about learning from the past to understand the present. That's why we were thrilled to hear about the recent discovery of lost gems over 2,000 years old found at a Roman bath complex in England. This exciting discovery provides a window into the world of ancient Rome and showcases the remarkable skills and craftsmanship of the time.
The Roman baths were a central part of ancient Roman culture. They were not just places for hygiene, but also served as social and cultural centers. As such, the baths were decorated with intricate and beautiful mosaics and sculptures. Bathers in the case of the bathhouse in ancient Britain wore rings with sealing stones into the baths. The stones in their rings were usually made of precious stones and semi-precious stones and were often used to adorn jewelry.
The recently discovered gems were found in a vaulted area of the baths, hidden under layers of sediment and debris. The gems were originally part of a larger piece of jewelry and are engraved with images of animals, including lions, panthers, and bulls, as well as mythological figures such as Cupid and Medusa.
The discovery of these gems is a reminder of the remarkable artistic and technological achievements of ancient Rome. It also provides an opportunity for students of classical education to learn about the history and culture of ancient Rome. This can be an exciting and engaging way to learn about ancient history, art, and craftsmanship. We might ask why there were so many stones in one location. Did the ancient Romans realize that there was a chance they would lose the stones from their rings, and if so, why did they wear them into the baths?
When we encourage homeschool students to explore ancient history and culture, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the world around them and a curiosity about the connections between the past and present. The discovery of these lost gems in the Roman baths is a fascinating glimpse into the world of ancient Rome. What does it have to do with the present? When was the last time you dropped a valuable item in water?
To learn more about the recent discovery and to see beautiful color images of the stones, here is a link to an article in Smithsonian Magazine.