British scientists are fighting over the study of a 1700-year-old egg

A chicken egg, the age of which, according to scientists, is about 1700 years, was found in the city of Aylesbury in the British county of Buckinghamshire. This happened more than 10 years ago during the archaeological excavations that preceded the construction. The edible find was transferred to different places, but until now it cannot be fully investigated in order not to damage it.

The peculiarity of this chicken egg is its condition. It is almost intact, and retains the white and yolk. It was found among three more eggs, which, unfortunately, were damaged during archaeological excavations.

According to the researchers, the eggs were specially placed in a pit with water, which was part of the burial rite. Usually, they were associated with fertility, rebirth and the Roman gods Mithras and Mercury. Eggshell fragments have been found before, usually in Roman graves, but this is "the only nearly intact Roman egg known in Britain".

The area where excavations were carried out was mostly swampy. Among the finds, archaeologists also managed to identify leather shoes, wooden tools, a wicker basket, etc.

Over the years, the found egg was transferred to various laboratories and research centers. It is currently in the Buckinghamshire County Museum in Aylesbury. Its workers continue to search for methods that would allow extracting its contents without destroying the shell. Scientists see great value in gaining access to the contents of the egg and its analysis.

Source: bbc.com