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OVER 300 graves have been found at one of the largest Roman cemeteries in the UK.
In preparation for significant road construction, a 21-mile stretch in Penrith has been undergoing excavation.
A massive Roman grave has been uncovered by archaeologists working on a site in CumbriaCredit: Cotswold Archaeology
Numerous artefacts believed to be related to Roman funerals were also discovered at the dig siteCredit: Cotswold Archaeology
Additional evidence of ancient Roman funeral practices was recently revealed at the site.
Construction on the A66 is set to commence in 2025, as part of plans to widen the road between Penrith and Scotch Corner.
Although scholars have been aware of the Roman connections to this site since the 1960s, opportunities for a comprehensive excavation have only just arisen.
The findings confirm evidence of human activity in the region, providing insights into Ancient Roman burial traditions from 2,700 years ago.
Dr. Lauren McIntyre from Oxford Cotswold Archaeology discussed the discoveries with the BBC .
She confirmed that approximately 340 graves have been identified, indicating both cremation and burial practices.
According to the archaeologist, the site is likely to be much larger than what has been uncovered so far.
This site is distinct from another Roman grave discovered on the A66 at Kirkby Thore near Appleby in 2018, with McIntyre affirming that a Roman fort and settlement were also found in the vicinity.
The team also uncovered several ceramic pots and a Cupid figurine, likely buried alongside cremated remains.
The next steps will involve analyzing the collected ashes with the goal of determining the origins of the soldiers likely interred at the site.
McIntyre explained that soldiers in the Roman Empire were typically not from the regions where they were stationed, and the team hopes to employ isotopic analysis to identify where these individuals likely originated.
The archaeological dig site along the A66 was recently featured on the program Digging For Britain.
The historical site is one of the UK’s largest Roman graves, and has been excavated ahead of roadworksCredit: Cotswold Archaeology
Archaeologists plan to use isotopic analysis to further examine the uncovered items, including human remainsCredit: Cotswold Archaeology
Frequently Asked Questions
What was discovered at the Roman cemetery site?
Over 300 graves, including evidence of cremation and burial practices, as well as various artefacts associated with Roman funerals, were uncovered at the site.
When is construction on the A66 scheduled to begin?
Construction on the A66 is set to commence in 2025 as part of plans to widen the road between Penrith and Scotch Corner.
What will researchers do with the ashes collected from the site?
Researchers will analyze the ashes to determine the origins of the soldiers likely buried at the site, using isotopic analysis to pinpoint their likely hometowns.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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