A recent discovery in the windswept headland of Drumanagh, North Dublin, has rewritten Ireland’s ancient trading history. Hidden for nearly 2,000 years, a charred fig unearthed from an archaeological site reveals Ireland’s participation in a far-reaching Roman trade network. This unprecedented find not only sheds light on Ireland’s international connections but also illustrates the influence of Roman lifestyles in the Iron Age.
Drumanagh: Ireland’s Ancient Trading Post
Drumanagh, a 46-acre promontory fort overlooking the Irish Sea, has long been recognized as a site of historical significance. Situated in a strategic location, this headland was once a hub of trade and cultural exchange between Ireland and the Roman Empire. Its natural defenses, bolstered by a series of earthworks, made it an ideal point of contact for goods traveling across the sea.
Fingal County Council has played a vital role in preserving this nationally important archaeological site. Following the launch of the Drumanagh Conservation Study and Management Plan in 2018, the site has been systematically excavated through the “Digging Drumanagh” project. These efforts aim to uncover the fort’s rich past and ensure its historical treasures are safeguarded for future generations.
Video:
The Roman Influence in Ancient Ireland
Although Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire, evidence from Drumanagh suggests a strong connection with Roman Britain and beyond. At the height of the Roman Empire, its extensive trade routes stretched across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. These routes brought exotic goods—fruits, spices, and fine ceramics—to distant lands, including Ireland.
Archaeologists at Drumanagh have unearthed artifacts such as Roman ceramics, metal objects, and glass vessels, pointing to an active trade network. Christine Baker, the Heritage Officer leading the excavations, explains that these items reveal not only the importation of goods but also the adoption of Roman customs. Local elites at Drumanagh were consuming spelt bread, olive oil, and even figs, emulating the luxurious lifestyles of their Roman counterparts.
Discovery of the Ancient Fig
The centerpiece of the latest excavation is a charred fragment of a fig fruit—an unparalleled find in Ireland. Buried and preserved due to its charring, the fig was analyzed using advanced digital microscopy. Associate Professor Meriel McClatchie of UCD’s Ancient Foods research group described the discovery as “thrilling,” noting its antiquity and rarity. “While fig seeds have been found in medieval Irish towns, this is the first instance of a whole fruit being uncovered, and it dates back far earlier than previously known examples,” she said.
The fig likely traveled to Ireland from southern Europe, carried along Roman trade routes. Its presence offers a glimpse into the diet of those living at Drumanagh nearly two millennia ago, suggesting a sophisticated palate influenced by Roman cuisine.
Exotic Foods and Imported Lifestyles
The discovery of the fig is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Archaeological analysis has revealed spelt wheat, a cereal that was a staple in Roman Britain but rare in Ireland. Other findings include fine ceramic drinking vessels and brooches, indicating that the inhabitants of Drumanagh were well-integrated into Roman trade networks. These goods weren’t merely utilitarian; they represented status, luxury, and a connection to the wider Roman world.
Christine Baker notes that life at Drumanagh was likely a blend of local traditions and imported Roman customs. “By these windswept cliffs, people consumed imported foods, wore ornate jewelry, and drank from glass cups, mirroring the lifestyle of Roman elites,” she explains. The site also suggests a link with the Chester/Wirral area of Roman Britain, indicating a direct trade relationship.
The Role of Archaeological Analysis
Advanced techniques played a crucial role in uncovering Drumanagh’s secrets. The fig’s preservation was made possible by its charring, which prevented decay. Researchers used carbon dating and 3D digital microscopy to analyze the fruit and other artifacts, piecing together the story of this ancient trading post.
Additionally, botanical analyses have identified other food remnants, while studies of ceramics and metal artifacts have traced their origins to Roman Spain, Gaul, and Britain. These scientific methods provide a clearer understanding of the site’s historical significance and the cultural exchanges that took place there.
Drumanagh Day 2024: Sharing Discoveries
To celebrate and share these groundbreaking findings, Fingal County Council is hosting “Drumanagh Day 2024,” a seminar dedicated to the site’s discoveries. Scheduled for November 16, the event will bring together archaeologists, historians, and the public to explore Drumanagh’s role in Ireland’s ancient trade history.
The seminar will highlight not only the artifacts but also the people who lived and traded at the site. From Roman spelt bread to Irish craftsmanship, the event promises to deepen public understanding of Drumanagh’s importance.
Concluding Insights
The discovery of a 2,000-year-old fig at Drumanagh is more than an archaeological curiosity; it is a window into Ireland’s ancient connections with the wider world. This rare find underscores the sophistication of Iron Age communities and their ability to engage in international trade. As the research continues, Drumanagh stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich and interconnected past—a site where local traditions met Roman influence, creating a unique chapter in history.
