Journal Reference:
Jean Milot, Janne Blichert-Toft, Mariano Ayarzagüena Sanz, Chloé Malod-Dognin. Silver isotope and volatile trace element systematics in galena samples from the Iberian Peninsula and the quest for silver sources of Roman coinage. Geology, 2021; DOI: 10.1130/G49690.1
Carthaginians paid tribute in silver and gold to the Romans as a result of losing battles during the Punic Wars. Most of that metal came from Carthaginian silver mines in Spain and gold mines in western coastal Africa, which the Carthaginians colonized with 30,000 people to get the gold mines. The Romans defeated the Carthaginians in Spain and took over their silver mines.
I think I was an enslaved silver miner in a past life.