Rediscovering the Roman Empire in Lobos Island
On December 1, 2022, the archaeological site on Lobos Island continued to unveil its ancient secrets, highlighting the enduring presence of the Roman Empire in this picturesque corner of the Atlantic. Reflecting on nearly a decade since its serendipitous discovery at Concha Beach, the excavation of a purplish dye production workshop has entered its seventh campaign. This ongoing research delves into the site’s history from roughly the mid-first century AD, a time when the Roman Empire thrived.
Unveiling History
The most recent discoveries during this campaign spread across just 18 square meters but yield significant findings. Archaeologists unearthed processing zones, complete with signs of combustion and vivid purple stains—indicators of the famous dye preparation that was integral to Roman commerce and culture. They also discovered a new shell mound and a waste area, revealing remnants like cetáceos, ceramics, and metals, including fishhooks.
These new findings confirm an expansion of the Lobos I archaeological site to the southwest, promising further insights into this ancient workshop dedicated to producing the highly valued purple dye. The project is a collaboration between the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the Tenerife Museums with the leadership of Dr. Carmina del Arco, Dr. Mercedes del Arco, and Isidoro Hernández from the Fuerteventura Archaeological Museum.
An Archaeological Team at Work
A multidisciplinary team comprising eight archaeologists, a paleontologist, and four laborers diligently works at the site. They are equipped with tools like brushes and spatulas, carefully excavating the remains while adhering to best practices that honor the past.
Guided by a meticulous plan, the excavation is done under protective metal sheets, safeguarding the discoveries from environmental wear and curious bystanders. The site includes six L-shaped residential structures and six shell mounds, which together cover approximately 480 square meters.
Understanding the Process of Purple Dye Production
The renowned dye, often referred to as “Tyrian purple,” comes from the Muricidae family of mollusks. One key figure in this research, Dr. Ramón Cebrián-Guimerá, specializes in the history of this industry and has already identified numerous stramonita haemastoma shells at the site. These mollusks were integral to the dye-making process, which involved extracting their hypobranchial gland, famously recognized as the source of the vibrant purple color.
By counting the shells found, which total over 184,507, researchers estimate the capability to dye around 26 kilos of wool. The intricate process begins with the careful fracturing of the mollusk, followed by extracting the gland and mixing it in lead pots with alkaline substances and seawater. This concoction is then left to macerate in a warm environment for about a week before testing the dye’s potency on wool or silk.
The Ongoing Exploration
During the current campaign, excavators have also identified remnants of a potential new structural wall, which may have functioned to protect the dyeing work area. Isidoro Hernández noted that the primary aim of this research is to map the complete extent of the Lobos I site, ultimately determining the boundaries of this historical marker.
This site stands as the southernmost Roman settlement in the Atlantic, representing the furthermost reaches of the Roman Empire. It is also recognized as the oldest archaeological site in Fuerteventura, believed to span from the mid-first century AD to the mid-first century AD, offering a stark contrast to the later settlement of Butihondo, which relates to the distinct Mahos culture.
Call for Preservation and Exhibiting Findings
As fascinating artifacts emerge from the Lobos archaeological site—ranging from ceramics and metals to marine and terrestrial fauna—there is a growing demand for these treasures to be displayed at the Fuerteventura Archaeological Museum. Rayco León, head of Historical Heritage at the Cabildo, emphasized the critical importance of these ongoing excavations to Fuerteventura’s archaeological heritage and urged for the return of findings currently held in Tenerife.
The richness of Lobos I as a site reinforces its significance in understanding not only the local history but also the broader narrative of the Roman Empire’s influence across the Atlantic. The collaboration between various institutions has been pivotal in sustaining this archaeological endeavor—a reminder of how the past continues to speak to us through dedicated research and exploration.
