First-of-its kind fig found in Ireland unlocks new details about trading between the Roman Empire and Ireland

A recent archaeological discovery in Drumanagh, Dublin has shed new light on the ancient trade routes between the Roman Empire and Ireland. A 2,000-year-old fig was unearthed during excavations in the area, providing researchers with valuable insights into the goods that were exchanged between the two regions thousands of years ago.

The fig, along with other items such as metal and ceramic objects, as well as additional food remains, were found in a burned condition, allowing them to be preserved over the centuries. This discovery marks the first time that an actual fruit has been found in Ireland, making it a significant find for researchers.

Professor Merial McClatchie, director of the UCD Ancient Foods research group at UCD School of Archaeology, highlighted the importance of the discovery, stating that fig seeds dating back to the 13th century have been recovered from excavations of medieval Dublin, Cork, and other towns. The antiquity of the Drumanagh fig is unparalleled in Ireland, providing researchers with a unique glimpse into the past.

Trade routes between the Roman Empire and Ireland played a crucial role in the exchange of goods, including exotic fruits like figs. Before this discovery, it was unknown that figs made their way to Ireland thousands of years ago, making this find all the more significant.

The excavation at Drumanagh was led by Christine Baker, Heritage officer and archaeologist at Fingal County Council. The team uncovered a range of ancient items, shedding light on how people lived in Ireland thousands of years ago. The evidence suggests a connection with the Chester/Wirral area of Roman Britain during the first 200 years of the Roman conquest.

In addition to the fig discovery, Ireland has been a hotspot for food-related archaeological finds. A recent example includes a farmer in County Donegal finding a 60-pound slab of bog butter on his land by pure luck. While bog butter finds are not uncommon in the area, the size of this slab was particularly notable, making it one of the biggest chunks of bog butter found in Ireland to date.

Overall, the discoveries in Drumanagh and other parts of Ireland continue to provide valuable insights into the ancient trade routes, lifestyle, and food practices of people living thousands of years ago. The preservation of these items allows researchers to piece together a more comprehensive understanding of Ireland’s rich history and connections with other regions.