A theory?!? The Romans were solely responsible for boosting the atmospheric lead pollution to such levels they are recognisable as anthropolical markers in ice cores. The whole elite of Romans who drank wine (and who at that time didn't?) is suspect to have suffered of chronic and heavy lead poisoning.

The evidence, however, remains scant - because the Romans cremated when possible. And because the elite had the money to cremate their deceased - little adult bones have been preserved. But children bones have - and each analysis shows they were over the top contaminated with lead. Even although children have a larger uptake of lead into their system, the evidence that the entire Roman civilisation was high on lead is stacking.

Thanks for that. This was part of my thesis subject.

Putting the whole blame of the destruction of the Roman Empire on Pb - would be a little too much credit for one element.

But contributed? Very feasible, in my mind.