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Discovery of Roman female aristocrat in 1,600-year-old burial site hailed by researchers as key to charting the dark history between the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Anglo-Saxon Britain
- The high-status female was discovered during an excavation near Garforth, Leeds, buried among 60 men, women and children who lived more than a thousand years ago
- The find was made last spring, but could only now be revealed because the site had to be kept safe so that the first tests of the finds could take place
Remains of an aristocratic Roman woman dating back 1,600 years have been unearthed by archaeologists as part of a once-in-a-lifetime find.
The high-status female was discovered during a dig near Garforth, Leeds, in an “extremely rare” lead coffin, buried among 60 men, women and children who lived more than a thousand years ago.
Historians now believe the find may unlock one of the most important periods in British history, as researchers unusually found both late Roman and early Saxon people with different burial customs.
The discovery was made last spring, but could only now be revealed because the site had to be kept safe so that the first tests on the finds could take place.
Expert analysis will now take place to date the remains and conduct chemical tests that may reveal the individuals’ diets and ancestry.
Remains of an aristocratic Roman woman dating back 1,600 years have been unearthed by archaeologists as part of a once-in-a-lifetime find (pictured)
The high-status female was discovered during an excavation near Garforth, Leeds, in an ‘extremely rare’ lead coffin, buried among 60 men, women and children who lived more than a thousand years ago
Archaeologists hope the results can help map the largely undocumented period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
David Hunter, chief archaeologist at West Yorkshire Joint Services, said the find has the potential to be of ‘tremendous significance’ in what is understood about the ‘development of ancient Britain and Yorkshire’.
“The presence of two communities using the same cemetery is highly unusual and whether their use of this cemetery overlaps or not will determine the significance of the find,” he explained.
‘Seen together, the graves indicate the complexity and uncertainty of life during a dynamic period in Yorkshire’s history.
“The lead box itself is extremely rare, so this was a truly extraordinary dig.”
And while the location remains confidential, the excavation was prompted in part by a nearby discovery of late Roman Anglo-Saxon style stone buildings and structures.
Kylie Buxton, the site supervisor for the excavations, said it was a “dream” to have helped uncover the Grade II listed cemetery.
He said: ‘It is every archaeologist’s dream to work on a once-in-a-lifetime site, and supervising these excavations is definitely a career highlight.
“There is always a chance to find graves, but to have discovered a cemetery of such significance in such a time of transition was quite incredible.
“It was a special honor for me to excavate the high-status lead coffin, but it was a great team effort from all involved.”
Archaeologists believe the cemetery may reveal early Christian beliefs, as well as Saxon burials, accompanied by personal effects such as knives and pottery.
Historians now believe the find may unlock one of the most important periods in British history, as researchers unusually found both late Roman and early Saxon people with different burial customs
The discovery was made last spring but could only now be revealed because the site had to remain secure so that the first tests on the finds could take place
Expert analysis will now take place to date the remains and conduct chemical tests that may reveal the diets and ancestry of the individuals.
After the Romans withdrew from Britain, West Yorkshire was in the Kingdom of Elmet, lying between the Wharfe and Don Valleys, the Vale of York and the Pennines. It remained independent for just over 200 years.
It is hoped that the coffin can be displayed in an upcoming exhibition at the Leeds City Museum, which will examine death and burial customs from around the world.
Councilor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council and member of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, said: ‘This is an absolutely fascinating discovery that paints a fascinating picture of life in ancient Yorkshire.
“It’s also an incredible reminder of the history and heritage that lies beneath our feet, and we look forward to hopefully playing our part in telling this story to visitors to the museum.”