‘Incredible’ Roman bathers’ gems lost 2,000 years ago found near Hadrian’s Wall

Intricately carved stones that fell down drain at ancient pool uncovered by archaeologists in Carlisle

Taking your valuables with you into a swimming pool is always a risk. The Romans should have paid better heed, judging from the quantity of gemstones recovered from the drain of one of their bathhouses.

As many as 30 semi-precious stones have been discovered by archaeologists almost 2,000 years after their owners lost them at a site in modern-day Carlisle, just behind Hadrian’s Wall.