The expansion of the Roman empire to Greece 2,100 years ago coincided with a rise in lead pollution as a by-product of an increased demand for metals, according to some of the earliest traces of of lead still detectable in the ocean today. The expansion of the Roman empire to Greece 2,100 years ago coincided with a rise in lead pollution as a by-product of an increased demand for metals, according to some of the earliest traces of of lead still detectable in the ocean today. Ancient History, Mining Environmental Issues, Science and Technology, Environment, Chemistry, Lead, Geology Latest business news