Apr 23, 2025 10:56 PM
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1080670
INTRO: Bite marks found on a skeleton discovered in a Roman cemetery in York have revealed the first archaeological evidence of gladiatorial combat between a human and a lion.
The skeleton was excavated and examined from one of the best-preserved gladiator graveyards in the world, Driffield Terrace, where researchers announced the archaeological examination of 82 well-built young male skeletons in 2010.
Experts at the time noted from tooth enamel the wide variety of Roman provinces from around the world that the skeletons hailed from, as well as evidence of unusual funeral rites at the burial site, and deaths consistent with gladiatorial combat, such as individuals being particularly strongly built as a result of training and a high frequency of healed injuries associated with violence.
Malin Holst, lecturer in Osteoarchaeology at the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, and managing director of York Osteoarchaeology, which specialises in the excavation, analysis and reporting of human remains, said: “The bite marks were likely made by a lion, which confirms that the skeletons buried at the cemetery were gladiators, rather than soldiers or slaves, as initially thought and represent the first osteological confirmation of human interaction with large carnivores in a combat or entertainment setting in the Roman world.”
This is the final piece of evidence from work that began in 2004, when the first skeletons were excavated at the 1800-year-old Roman cemetery, along the Roman road leading out of York to Tadcaster.
Professor Tim Thompson, from Maynooth University, Ireland, said: “For years, our understanding of Roman gladiatorial combat and animal spectacles has relied heavily on historical texts and artistic depictions. This discovery provides the first direct, physical evidence that such events took place in this period, reshaping our perception of Roman entertainment culture in the region.” (MORE - details, no ads)
INTRO: Bite marks found on a skeleton discovered in a Roman cemetery in York have revealed the first archaeological evidence of gladiatorial combat between a human and a lion.
The skeleton was excavated and examined from one of the best-preserved gladiator graveyards in the world, Driffield Terrace, where researchers announced the archaeological examination of 82 well-built young male skeletons in 2010.
Experts at the time noted from tooth enamel the wide variety of Roman provinces from around the world that the skeletons hailed from, as well as evidence of unusual funeral rites at the burial site, and deaths consistent with gladiatorial combat, such as individuals being particularly strongly built as a result of training and a high frequency of healed injuries associated with violence.
Malin Holst, lecturer in Osteoarchaeology at the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, and managing director of York Osteoarchaeology, which specialises in the excavation, analysis and reporting of human remains, said: “The bite marks were likely made by a lion, which confirms that the skeletons buried at the cemetery were gladiators, rather than soldiers or slaves, as initially thought and represent the first osteological confirmation of human interaction with large carnivores in a combat or entertainment setting in the Roman world.”
This is the final piece of evidence from work that began in 2004, when the first skeletons were excavated at the 1800-year-old Roman cemetery, along the Roman road leading out of York to Tadcaster.
Professor Tim Thompson, from Maynooth University, Ireland, said: “For years, our understanding of Roman gladiatorial combat and animal spectacles has relied heavily on historical texts and artistic depictions. This discovery provides the first direct, physical evidence that such events took place in this period, reshaping our perception of Roman entertainment culture in the region.” (MORE - details, no ads)
