Ancient Secrets Revealed Along the HS2 Route
In a stunning archaeological revelation, the HS2 high-speed rail project has unearthed a late Roman cemetery near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. This remarkable find, the result of over a year’s meticulous work by 50 dedicated archaeologists, has opened a window into the enigmatic world of Roman Britain.
A Grim Discovery with Historical Significance
The excavation at Fleet Marston has brought to light 425 skeletons, each telling a unique story of life and death in ancient times. But it’s the macabre detail that has captured the imagination of historians and the public alike – approximately 10% of these bodies were decapitated, their heads eerily placed between the legs or near the feet.
Decapitation: A “Normal, Albeit Marginal” Practice?
While such a discovery might shock modern sensibilities, HS2 Ltd suggests that this practice was not uncommon in the late Roman period, around 410 AD. These individuals, possibly criminals or social outcasts, bear silent witness to burial customs that remain shrouded in mystery.
A Thriving Community Revealed
Fleet Marston was far more than just a burial ground. The discovery of over 1,200 coins paints a picture of a bustling center of trade and commerce. Everyday objects – spoons, pins, and brooches – offer intimate glimpses into daily life, while gaming dice and bells hint at a community that valued both leisure and spiritual practices.
Rewriting the History of Roman Buckinghamshire
Richard Brown, senior project manager for the excavation, emphasizes the significance of this find in reshaping our understanding of Roman Buckinghamshire. Combined with other Roman settlements uncovered during the HS2 works, Fleet Marston is helping to build a more comprehensive picture of life in this region during the Roman occupation.
Ongoing Research and Future Insights
As one of more than 100 archaeological sites examined by HS2 since 2018, Fleet Marston holds the promise of further revelations. Ongoing analysis of the excavated remains may yet uncover more secrets about this ancient community and its place in the rich tapestry of Roman Britain.
