It is a tin containing an unknown 2000 year old ointment , discovered near an ancient Roman temple in London .
The location of its discovery initially led researchers to believe it was an ointment used for healing or for rituals.
However, a detailed analysis was able to reveal its ingredients:animal fat, starch and tin, proving that it was a face cream used by Roman women.
The face cream is of such a high quality that it is comparable to the cosmetics produced today. When the archaeologists opened the container they were almost overwhelmed by the toxic smell!
This discovery supports the fact that Roman culture was flourishing in London and there was a desire to incorporate all Roman customs into London customs.
Roman face cream was traditionally made from lead to create the desired tint.
Lead was not so readily available in the British Isles, but tin was, and the manufacturer of this cream has took the trouble to recreate a similar one with local ingredients.
The container containing the original cream and b) the recreation produced by the Evershed team.
Image:© Natura