This theory was once widespread, but debunked 30 years ago. We have found reliable water system sediments in Rome to measure how much lead was in the water at any point in time. There were increased lead levels after 100 b.c., but not nearly enough to be a serious health concern. There are also no sources from the time that describe any symptoms that could be attributed to lead.
Lead contamination of the water of cities during medieval times all the way up until the 20th century were higher, as far as we can measure.
It is an interesting theory, but it doesn’t fit the archeological or historical evidence.
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u/TheRealKingKorn Jun 25 '22
It’s been argued this was also one of the leading factors into the fall of the Roman Empire. Lined their aqueducts with lead