Roman lead poisoning theory

Roman Empire

Roman wine jug

The Roman lead poisoning theory is the hypothesis that chronic lead exposure contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire. Some historians and scientists suggest that the widespread use of lead in water pipes (fistulae), cookware, and wine sweeteners (sapa) led to widespread lead poisoning, affecting public health, cognitive function, and decision-making among the Roman elite. However, the extent of lead's impact remains debated, with critics arguing that exposure levels were not high enough to cause significant harm.^[1]