Opening a Roman Coffin

A remarkable Roman burial has been found at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, UK. When we lifted the lid off a three tonne stone coffin we were surprised to discover that the coffin had not filled with soil.

Instead, we found ourselves looking down on the skeleton of a woman who was cradling a young child in her arms.

Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/wiltshire/boscombe/preserved-roman-remai...

A slightly longer version can be seen at http://vimeo.com/601226

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• archaeology
• roman
• coffin
• excavation
• digging
• skeleton
• burial
• remains
• romano-british

[wessexarchaeology]

The reason the dig was done is because the burials were going to be destroyed by building and the archaeologists get permission to excavate the burials first (you can see some of the new houses in the background). Archaeologists need to wear reflective clothing and so on because they are on a building site.

[wessexarchaeology]

Thanks for everyone's comments. While we prepare a more detailed response, for those interested in the reasons the coffin was excavated, please see our earlier comments (currently on page 3).

[themarkmarcus]

ok lady, get on with it so we can see the corpse.

[xabbess]

To all of you who are so 'upset'; In many countries it is required by law before a strip mall, a parking lot, or even a housing development may be constructed that it be tested for any archaeological evidence. This prevents archaeological history from being destroyed and gives us further education about ancient cultures.

[justusleejolliffe]

I'm sure there's alot of people that don't like the idea of being unearthed after they die but if achealogists didn't do what they do then there's alot about history we wouldn't know.

[Terramusic0]

so, this is how we get. We turn into dust! into earth...

[Scooby71Doo]

@Gunnarsguns afraid i cannot agree with you on that. I think a lot of knowledge can be obtained from these digs. My mother died from myeloma and i found it somewhat a comfort when a a dig at a Roman cemetary unearthed a roman soldier who had also died of the disease 2000 years ago. Excavations such as this not only help us learn about the lives of our ancestors but also enable us to track the history of certain diseases. Provided the remains are treated with dignity and respect then it is right.

[TopJimmyWinn]

Dust in the wind.

[ThatFLiPKiD]

Whoa. At first I was like, "Why is the coffin empty ._." but then I realized they're really in there in that dirt or whatever xP That's scary :O

[Gunnarsguns]

This is exactly why im being creamated.If you are more than 300 years old you are an archealogical discovery and not a grave. Leave the dead to rest

[xabbess]

Hey, that's a fabulous idea. Then when the construction crew comes in to dig the foundation for that new building or parking lot, the big equipment can slice through all the buried bodies...men, women and children....and scatter their body parts all over. Now THAT'S respect for the dead.

[xabbess]

My brother is an archaeologist and is required to wear safety gear. Hard hat, reflective vest/jacket, etc. Not that the heavens will fall, but for insurance/liability reasons through his company to guard against lawsuits. Many professions have the same requirement.

[xabbess]

Interesting....I had no idea there were cameras that long ago.

[sevteo]

That is so true,people would be amazed if they knew that many archeological discoveries are made by mistake by construction companies.