2,000-Year-Old Grass Sandals Discovered
Iron Age sandals unearthed in Spain shed light on ancient history.
1Historic Discovery
Grass sandals from the Iron Age were discovered in Spain. These sandals provide new insights into life in the Iberian Peninsula during the arrival of the Roman Empire.
2Excavation Site
The sandals were found in Urium, an ancient mining settlement located 55 miles west of Seville. Archaeologists discovered them in ash deposits near a metallurgical workshop complex.
3Material and Construction
The sandals were made from a sturdy grass called esparto. This grass was used raw and woven into flat, narrow braids, which were then shaped into shoe soles.
4Signs of Use
The sandals showed heavy signs of use. Most were missing their foot-securing cords, and the forefoot sections displayed damage indicative of long-term wear.
5Dating
Radiocarbon dating revealed that the sandals were made between 360 BCE and 124 CE. This suggests that Urium was home to local workers for nearly 500 years.
6Significance
This discovery is a rare example of organic materials surviving for millennia. The sandals offer valuable clues about the daily lives of Iron Age laborers.
Original article: Popular Science — 2.000 Yıllık Çim Sandaletler Keşfedildi