| Amber from different parts of the world can be identified by its unique infrared spectra. Being able to identify the origin of amber pieces helps archaeologists to determine ancient trade routes. The amber trade in Europe began over 5000 years ago, and the substance was widely available in northern Europe. The ancient Greeks and Romans traded wine, oil, salt, silks, tea, bronze, and even gold in exchange for amber from more northern peoples. |
"Inclusions" such as insects in pieces of amber greatly increases their value. Photo by Maya Walters.
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| Some of the oldest known organisms that have been discovered trapped in amber come from the area that is now New Jersey. The oldest known mushroom is one such example. It was found in amber from about 90 million years ago. | In ancient times, amber was so valuable that carrying it any distance could be extremely dangerous. Many merchants who transported amber from northern Europe to Rome were in danger of being robbed or even killed for their valuable cargo. Hidden caches of both rough and polished amber have been discovered buried along ancient trade routes, indicating that some traders tried to hide the treasure before it could be stolen, and, for reasons that can only be guessed at, never returned to collect it. |
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