Image(s) credit: Esperanza Martín
NEWS: Decorated Roman sandal found in well at ruins of Lucus Asturum, Spain
A well-preserved sandal with ornate decorations on it has been found in a well in the ruins of the Roman settlement of Lucus Asturum (modern day Lugo de Llanera) in Spain. The seemingly humble object is of great archaeological value as it is only one of around twenty Roman sandals found in, what was, the Roman province of Hispania and it is the only example of its kind to be decorated. Simple objects like this allow us to learn more about what everyday life was like for the average Roman. It is speculated that the sandal got caught in the silt and slipped off of the foot of the evidently well-dressed individual as they descended the well to clean it, purifying the water supply of their home. Also found in the well were a metal ring, a bronze cauldron, several jars, the remains of domestic and wild flora and fauna, among other objects.
Lucus Asturum was an important administrative centre in the Roman province of Hispania. It was mentioned by the Roman-era Greco-Egyptian astronomer Ptolemy in his work The Geography (Ptolemy, The Geography, Book 2, Chapter 5). Back in 2021, a team led by archaeologist Esperanza Martín discovered the ruins of a large house with a central courtyard and a well. Despite delays on the team’s work due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant restrictions, the team recommenced their excavations in the summer of this year. They used a pulley system to descend the well whilst also avoiding any damage to archaeological remains. The sandal has remained in such good condition over 2,000 years because of the silt in the well creating an anaerobic climate that prevented oxygen getting to it, and therefore any microorganisms that would degrade it.
The lead on the team Esperanza Martín stated:
“The remains we found, due to the anoxia generated by the high water table in the area, are in an exceptional state.
The silts have created an anaerobic environment thanks to the plasticity of the clays that compose them, so the organic materials have been perfectly preserved.
It is almost complete and retains the cutting notches to hold it in the upper leg area. It is more than likely that it was lost by someone who came in to clean when it got caught in the silt. It is a unique object as it is decorated.”
The sandal is currently being preserved with refrigeration before it is properly restored and put on display at the Archaeological Museum of Asturias.
27/10/2023