Spanish experts have proven the existence of a large gold mining center from the Roman Empire period in the Eastern Pyrenees.
According to Oxu.Az, this was reported by "Arkeonews".
Researchers found traces of hydraulic mining works in the province of Girona, dating back about 1,700 years. Archaeologists used optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to determine the exact age of the site.
The analysis showed that gold mining was intensive during the Roman period and ceased at the end of the 2nd century - beginning of the 3rd century AD.
Scientists determined that Roman engineers applied a complex water supply system to wash gold-bearing alluvial deposits. Remains of a dam built from stone blocks up to 60 cm in size, as well as a water reservoir 4.5 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep, were found.
According to experts, about 2 million cubic meters of earth were moved during mining. The dating results precisely indicate when the hydraulic system stopped functioning.
