New research suggests that human-caused lead pollution in the Aegean Sea began 5,200 years ago—1,200 years earlier than previously thought. A study analyzed sediment cores from land and sea, linking lead contamination to historical human activity. The findings reveal a major pollution surge around 2,150 years ago, coinciding with the Roman Empire’s expansion into Greece and intensified gold and silver mining. This marks the earliest recorded marine lead pollution, highlighting the environmental impact of ancient societies.
Tag: scientific research
Centuries-old legends from the island of Rhodes whispered of a crucial contribution to the majestic Hagia Sophia: the very bricks used to construct its magnificent domes. Now, cutting-edge scientific research has confirmed these whispers, revealing that the iconic structure owes its strength and lightness to the unique clay of this small Aegean island. Discover the fascinating story of how Rhodian materials and Byzantine ingenuity combined to create one of the world’s architectural marvels.