In a remarkable archaeological discovery, the ancient city of Aizanoi in western Turkey has once again shared its secrets with the modern world. Archaeologists have unearthed a trove of remnants from Roman cosmetic and makeup shops, shedding light on the beauty practices of Roman women over 2,000 years ago. The findings include captivating details about the makeup materials used by Roman women, particularly the revelation that they loved hot pink eyeshadow. This remarkable insight into ancient beauty rituals has opened a colorful window into the past.
The city of Aizanoi, renowned for its well-preserved Temple of Zeus in Anatolia, is where this historical treasure was discovered. The excavations led by Gokhan Coskun, an archaeologist at Dumlupinar University, unveiled the remains of shops that sold a variety of cosmetic products, such as perfumes, jewelry, and makeup materials. Among the discoveries were beads used for hairpins and necklaces, providing a glimpse into the Roman women's fashion choices of the time.
Cosmetic Pigments Resembling Modern Makeup
One of the most striking findings was the unearthing of makeup pigments that closely resembled the blush and eyeshadow used in contemporary cosmetics. These pigments were found in various shades of pink and red, remarkably similar to the colors still popular today. The samples recovered by the researchers were mostly tiny pieces, approximately 1 to 2 millimeters in size.
Archaeologist Gokhan Coskun stated, "One of the most surprising findings we came across were makeup pigments similar to blush and eyeshadow used today." This discovery emphasizes the timeless appeal of certain beauty practices, transcending the ages.
Archaeologists have discovered remnants of ancient cosmetic and makeup products, used by Roman women more than 2,000 years ago (Picture: Anadolu)
Oyster Shells as Makeup Containers
What makes these ancient makeup pigments even more fascinating is that they were often stored within oyster shells. The excavation team found a considerable number of oyster shells in the shop they were working on. This practice was common in the Roman Empire, where makeup materials were neatly tucked inside these natural containers.
The Roman city of Aizanoi, located 35 miles from the Kutahya city center, thrived during the second and third centuries AD, and later became a significant episcopal center during the Byzantine era. Recent excavations have revealed multiple layers of settlement dating as far back as 3000 BCE, with the city falling under Roman rule in 133 BCE.
A Treasure Trove of Ancient History
The discovery in Aizanoi is not the first glimpse into its rich historical past. The city, once forgotten by the world, was rediscovered by European travelers in 1824. Subsequent excavations by the German Archaeology Institute between 1970 and 2011 unearthed a multitude of significant artifacts, including a theater, a stadium, public baths, a gymnasium, bridges, trading buildings, necropolises, and even the sacred cave of Metre Steune, a site associated with ancient cult practices.
In the Roman Empire, makeup materials such as blush and eyeshadow were often placed inside oyster shells and used (Picture: Anadolu)
Since 2011, Turkish archaeologists have continued their work at this ancient site, gradually revealing more about its history and its connections to the Roman Empire.
The recent excavation of ancient cosmetic remnants in Aizanoi, Turkey, offers a captivating glimpse into the beauty practices of Roman women over two millennia ago. The discovery of makeup pigments similar to blush and eyeshadow used today, stored within oyster shells, underscores the timeless appeal of certain beauty rituals. This archaeological find not only adds to our understanding of ancient history but also highlights the enduring traditions of beauty and self-expression that continue to captivate us today. The past, it seems, can be as colorful as the present.
