In southern England, in the city of Aylesbury, archaeologists have discovered a well-preserved chicken egg. Apart from it, three others were in place, but those broke and released an “intense stench.”

According to researchers, eggs were associated in ancient times with fertility and rebirth as well as the deities Mithra or Mercury. The fully preserved egg in shell is the first find of its kind in Britain. It is possible that the eggs were laid in a basket (also discovered on site) and placed next to the deceased. Wooden tools and leather shoes were also found in the ground.

The find is dated to around the 3rd century CE.