Ancient Greece Revealed as Earliest Source of Human-Caused Lead Pollution

New research identifies lead contamination dating back 5,200 years, offering insights into early human impact on ecosystems and societal shifts.

Sediment cores from the Aegean Sea and northeastern Greece show lead pollution caused by human activity as early as 5,200 years ago, 1,200 years earlier than previously known.
The contamination is linked to early silver production, with lead released during the smelting of ore containing silver and other metals.
Around 2,150 years ago, lead pollution spiked significantly, coinciding with the Roman conquest of Greece and subsequent exploitation of its natural resources.
Researchers found evidence of widespread deforestation and agricultural expansion during this period, reflecting the environmental impact of transitioning to monetized societies.
This study provides the earliest record of human-caused lead pollution in marine environments, highlighting the long-term environmental consequences of ancient industrial activities.