Shocking discovery: Headless skeletons found on a farm
Archaeologists have found an “exceptionally high” number of decapitated bodies at three Roman cemeteries in Cambridgeshire, England, which experts believe were the result of judicial executions.
The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) were excavating Knobb’s Farm in Somersham when they found 52 burials, 13 of which were prone burials where the bodies were face down.
Many of the decapitated bodies had their heads placed at their feet and some were kneeling when they died, according to the research paper published in the Britannia journal earlier this month.
Though the Roman Empire hasn't ruled Britain since 410 AD, some towns still have medieval walls partially built from Roman fortifications.
Many of the remains found on the farm were in poor condition, with some no more than shadows in the sand.
With no evidence of defensive injuries and a general “lack of trauma” before death - aside from the decapitation - experts see it as evidence that the deaths were organised.
According to the researchers, the number of bodies found was “exceptionally high” in comparison to other Roman cemeteries in Britain.
They added that 33 percent of the bodies were beheaded, a much higher proportion than the 2.5-6.1 percent found in other cases.
Though the reason why some of the burials were prone is unclear, the researchers argue “the practice cannot have been a mistake” as 13 people were buried in that manner.
“These settlements were extensive rural settlements that provided grain and meat to the Roman army,” said Isabel Lisboa, archaeological consultant on the project.
Lisboa also said the most likely reason for the large number of decapitated bodies could be as a form of execution for crimes, though ritual practice is another potential explanation.
In the latter part of Rome’s occupation of Britain, the number of crimes punishable by death increased from 14 to 60.
“Roman laws seem to have been applied particularly harshly at Knobb’s Farm because it was associated with supplying the Roman army, so there were many decapitations,” said Lisboa.
“Crimes normally would have been let go, but there were probably tensions with the Roman army.”
Mysterious identities
“DNA shows there were nine different types of groups that had come from various places,” said Lisboa.
According to the research, most of the skeletons are believed to be from adults over the age of 25, with some also showing signs of anaemia and tooth decay.
Archaeologists found pots and miniature pottery goods dating from the third and fourth century A.D., as well as a comb that may have been in a woman’s hair when she was beheaded.
Image credit: Dave Webb / Cambridge Archaeological Unit