Much can be learned from Roman-era shipwreck
Marc Roussy
A Roman-era ship was discovered off the port of Piombino in 1974, which sank around 130 BC. Not until 1989, 136 tin-lined wooden boxes were recovered from the 50ft-long trading ship. Surprisingly, the chests were not filled with booty, but they contained pills.
Not until recently, were Italian scientists able to perform DNA sequencing on the pills. They were found to be made of ground-up vegetables, herbs and plants such as celery, onions, carrots, cabbage, alfalfa and chestnuts. Dr Alain Touwaide, from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Washington DC, told The Sunday Telegraph. "The plants and vegetables were probably crushed with a mortar and pestle – we could still see the fibres in the tablets. They also contained clay, which even today is used to treat gastrointestinal problems." The chest also contained spatulas, suction cups and a mortar and pestle which would suggest that a ship doctor would be aboard for the voyages.
This is quite the revelation considering the gaining popularity of natural remedies. Calcium Bentonite clay is still sought after for it’s detoxifying effects. Celery can be used to relieve pain. Carrots help combat internal parasites and treat constipation. Alfalfa can ease the digestive tract and aid in kidney function. Onions and cabbage contain anti-inflammatory properties and chestnuts are a source of vitamin C.
A Roman-era ship was discovered off the port of Piombino in 1974, which sank around 130 BC. Not until 1989, 136 tin-lined wooden boxes were recovered from the 50ft-long trading ship. Surprisingly, the chests were not filled with booty, but they contained pills.
Not until recently, were Italian scientists able to perform DNA sequencing on the pills. They were found to be made of ground-up vegetables, herbs and plants such as celery, onions, carrots, cabbage, alfalfa and chestnuts. Dr Alain Touwaide, from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Washington DC, told The Sunday Telegraph. "The plants and vegetables were probably crushed with a mortar and pestle – we could still see the fibres in the tablets. They also contained clay, which even today is used to treat gastrointestinal problems." The chest also contained spatulas, suction cups and a mortar and pestle which would suggest that a ship doctor would be aboard for the voyages.
This is quite the revelation considering the gaining popularity of natural remedies. Calcium Bentonite clay is still sought after for it’s detoxifying effects. Celery can be used to relieve pain. Carrots help combat internal parasites and treat constipation. Alfalfa can ease the digestive tract and aid in kidney function. Onions and cabbage contain anti-inflammatory properties and chestnuts are a source of vitamin C.
