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Decapitated bodies found in Roman cemetery in Great Whelnetham Decapitated bodies found in Roman cemetery in Great Whelnetham
(2 days later)
Archaeologists excavating a Roman burial ground in Suffolk said the discovery of a series of decapitated bodies was a "rare find". Archaeologists excavating a Roman burial ground said the discovery of a series of decapitated bodies was a "rare find".
A dig has been taking place on a site in Great Whelnetham, near Bury St Edmunds, ahead of a planned housing development. A dig has been taking place on a site in Great Whelnetham, Suffolk, ahead of a planned housing development.
Of the 52 skeletons found, 17 had their skulls placed by or between their legs. Of the 52 skeletons found, about 40% had their skulls detached from their bodies, many placed by their legs.
Archaeologist Andrew Peachey said it gave a "fascinating insight" into Roman burial practice.Archaeologist Andrew Peachey said it gave a "fascinating insight" into Roman burial practice.
The Roman cemetery, which dates to the 4th Century, includes the remains of men, women and children who had probably lived in a nearby settlement.The Roman cemetery, which dates to the 4th Century, includes the remains of men, women and children who had probably lived in a nearby settlement.
The fact that up to 40% of the bodies were decapitated represents "quite a rare find", particularly having the "statistical anomaly of having so many decapitations there".The fact that up to 40% of the bodies were decapitated represents "quite a rare find", particularly having the "statistical anomaly of having so many decapitations there".
"We are looking at a very specific part of the population that followed a very specific tradition of burial," he said."We are looking at a very specific part of the population that followed a very specific tradition of burial," he said.
Roman SuffolkRoman Suffolk
Source: Suffolk Heritage Explorer/British MuseumSource: Suffolk Heritage Explorer/British Museum
Mr Peachey, of Archaeological Solutions, said he did not believe there had been executions.Mr Peachey, of Archaeological Solutions, said he did not believe there had been executions.
The heads were likely to have been removed "carefully" after the individual had died, he added.The heads were likely to have been removed "carefully" after the individual had died, he added.
The team are analysing the bones to find out as much as possible about the population.The team are analysing the bones to find out as much as possible about the population.
Great Whelnetham is a known Roman settlement and Roman burials were typically placed as we would place them, said Mr Peachey.Great Whelnetham is a known Roman settlement and Roman burials were typically placed as we would place them, said Mr Peachey.
The skeletons will go to a museum archive.The skeletons will go to a museum archive.