Lead pollution likely dropped the average IQ in ancient Rome by 2.5 to 3 points, a study found. The research is based on an analysis of lead concentrations in ice cores extracted from Greenland.

We can probably safely assume Rome, in many areas, was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. That said, there’s evidence of ...

Lead air pollution, researchers now suggest, was so pervasive during the height of the Roman Empire that it may have lowered ...

Lead pollution in ancient Rome was so high that it dropped the population’s IQ by around 3 points, if not more. Elites were exposed to lead through water pipes, cooking pots, bath tubs ...

Mangled bones found at a one-time manufacturing facility pinpoint species used to make a quintessential condiment.

Exposure to lead from mining probably lowered I.Q. levels in the empire, research has found. It might be the world’s first case of widespread industrial pollution. By Katherine Kornei Roughly ...

Most food deliveries come wrapped in petrochemicals. But there are ways to reduce the disposable plastic delivered to your ...

A new exhibition in London (open until February 2026) called Thirst: In search of freshwater highlights how civilizations ...

Archaeological excavations in the locality of Cupa, in the municipality of Ugento in the southeastern tip of Italy, have ...

What Ancient Rome can tell us about the fate of Trump’s tariffs. ... Analysts have expressed shock and worry, warning the move could lead to inflation and possibly even recession for the US.

In ancient Rome, toxic lead was so pervasive in the air that it most likely dropped the average person’s IQ by 2.5 to 3 points, new research suggests. The study, published Monday in the journal ...

Lead pollution in ancient Rome was so high that it dropped the population’s IQ by around 3 points, if not more. Elites were exposed to lead through water pipes, cooking pots, bath tubs, cosmetics and ...