Roman gladiator remains go on display in York

Osteologist Malin Holst carefully lays out the bones of a gladiator, some of which contain teeth marks of a carnivore believed to be a lion, at the Jorvik Viking centre in York Osteologist Malin Holst carefully lays out the bones of a gladiator, some of which contain teeth marks of a carnivore believed to be a lion, at the Jorvik Viking centre in York

A SKELETON – thought to be the remains of a Roman gladiator – has gone on display in York.

The skeleton is on display at the Jorvik Viking Centre from today.

It is one of 80 skeletons unearthed in the city by York Archaeological Trust over the last seven years.

The skeleton, which was the subject of a TV documentary last week, displays one of the most significant pieces of evidence supporting the lead archaeological theory that the skeletons are the remains of Roman gladiators – a large carnivore bite mark believed to have been inflicted by a lion, tiger or bear, probably in the arena.

John Walker, York Archaeological Trust chief executive, said: “The skeletons have been the subject of global interest over the last week. We want to give people the opportunity to see for themselves some of the evidence that our archaeologists have worked with to develop their theories on the skeletons’ origins.”

Comments(10)

York Fox says...
11:14am Tue 22 Jun 10

I think we need an Eboracum Roman Centre....in fact I bet they are working on a money making scheme now!

Mr Tee says...
12:20pm Tue 22 Jun 10

York Fox wrote:
I think we need an Eboracum Roman Centre....in fact I bet they are working on a money making scheme now!
Had a conversation last night on that very subject. Lets have another museum for the tourists, rather than facilities for the locals :-(

El Capistrano says...
1:02pm Tue 22 Jun 10

Lets have another museum for the tourists, rather than facilities for the locals ........

Oh and while we're at it, don't start creating any jobs either.
York needs to be full of bitter people who hate the Tourists.

The solution is easy if you don't like having tourist in York, just move, plenty of cheap houses in Leeds that you could either rent or buy.

It's time to realise the tourists do more for York than anybody else.
:)

Woody Mellor says...
4:02pm Tue 22 Jun 10

This is fascinating stuff, make no bones about it! (Sorry)

anastasia says...
4:56pm Tue 22 Jun 10

Is it just me that feels like the remains of people should be treated with a bit of respect in museums rather than simply being shoved into a display case. How would you feel if it was the body of someone close to you?

Captain Grimble says...
6:26pm Tue 22 Jun 10

anastasia wrote:
Is it just me that feels like the remains of people should be treated with a bit of respect in museums rather than simply being shoved into a display case. How would you feel if it was the body of someone close to you?
I've thought this as well - is there an official time limit after which someone's final resting place can be freely dug up again? Obviously coffins should be buried with a date on them, a bit like the Blue Peter time capsule.

sheps lad says...
6:29pm Tue 22 Jun 10

anastasia wrote:
Is it just me that feels like the remains of people should be treated with a bit of respect in museums rather than simply being shoved into a display case. How would you feel if it was the body of someone close to you?
If it was 1900 years old it would hardly be someone close to you!!

cutitout says...
7:01pm Tue 22 Jun 10

anastasia wrote:
Is it just me that feels like the remains of people should be treated with a bit of respect in museums rather than simply being shoved into a display case. How would you feel if it was the body of someone close to you?
Probably that I should have gone to Specsavers.

uglyboy says...
9:38pm Tue 22 Jun 10

Poor b*gger, no peace in life, non in death. Why not let him rest in peace? We've an idea what a skeleton looks like!

tcrown says...
1:16pm Thu 24 Jun 10

York Fox wrote:
I think we need an Eboracum Roman Centre....in fact I bet they are working on a money making scheme now!
The newly refurbished Yorkshire Museum has a strong Roman theme. It reopens on 1st August and Yorkcard holders get in free, so it is for residents and tourists alike.

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