Here is a nice articale i ran across.
http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART56936.html
GLOUCESTER'S ROMAN MASS GRAVE SKELETONS WERE PLAGUE VICTIMS
By 24 Hour Museum Staff 29/04/2008
Archaeologists work to uncover the Roman mass grave in Gloucester during 2005. © Oxfod Archaeology
A mass Roman grave, discovered in Gloucester in 2005, may have contained the victims of an acute disease of epidemic proportions, possibly plague.
This is the startling conclusion to a new report by Oxford Archaeology and archaelogical consultancy CgMs, who have been conducting an 18-month programme of scientific study on the grave, which contained around 91 skeletons.
The discovery of a mass grave of Roman date is almost unparalleled in British archaeology and archaeologists now believe the remains were of individuals who had been thrown in over a short period of time during the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD.
The grave contained around 91 skeletons. © Oxford Archaeology
“The skeletons of adult males, females, and children were lying in a very haphazard fashion, their bones completely entangled, reflecting the fact that they had been dumped, unceremoniously in a hurried manner,” explained Louise Loe, Head of Burial Archaeology at Oxford Archaeology.
“When we studied the skeletons we were looking for evidence, such as trauma, that would explain why they had been buried in such a way. In fact, very little trauma was found on the skeletons and there were no diseases that would explain why they had been singled out for this treatment.”
The unusual arrangement of the skeletons led archaeologists to conclude that the individuals were the victims of an epidemic that did not discriminate against age or sex.
The discovery of two 1st century sculptured and inscribed tombstones enabled the team to make a direct connection between documentary evidence and the archaeological record of the site. © Oxford Archaeology
The report, ‘Life and Death in a Roman City’, puts forward the theory that the cause of death may have been the Antonine plague, an outbreak perhaps of smallpox that swept across the Roman Empire between AD 165 and 189.
Plague, which kills quickly, tends not to leave marks on bone and therefore it is not surprising that evidence for disease is lacking on these skeletons. It is hoped that future tests on the bones for DNA will confirm this.
A further exciting discovery of two 1st century sculptured and inscribed tombstones enabled the team to make a direct connection between documentary evidence and the archaeological record of the site.
The unusual arrangement of the skeletons led archaeologists to conclude that the individuals were the victims of an epidemic. © Oxford Archaeology
One tombstone was used for a 14 year old slave. The other was for ‘Lucius Octavius Martialis, son of Lucius, of the Pollian voting tribe, from Eporedia, soldier of the Twentieth Legion.’
The legion was stationed at Gloucester until the 70s AD, and known to have soldiers from Eporedia, modern Ivrea north of Turin. The mass grave population may have been civilian descendants of the Roman military.
Only two other Mass Roman graves have been reported in the UK, but their identification has never been confirmed and neither have been studied.
Find out more about the work of Oxford Archaeology at www.thehumanjourney.net and CgMs at www.cgms.co.uk.
Full Version: Roman mass grave.
So perhaps smallpox brought the Empire down as much as anything else did.
QUOTE (Plainbob13 @ May 2 2008, 08:56 PM) 
Here is a nice articale i ran across.
http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART56936.html
GLOUCESTER'S ROMAN MASS GRAVE SKELETONS WERE PLAGUE VICTIMS
By 24 Hour Museum Staff 29/04/2008
Archaeologists work to uncover the Roman mass grave in Gloucester during 2005. © Oxfod Archaeology
A mass Roman grave, discovered in Gloucester in 2005, may have contained the victims of an acute disease of epidemic proportions, possibly plague.
This is the startling conclusion to a new report by Oxford Archaeology and archaelogical consultancy CgMs, who have been conducting an 18-month programme of scientific study on the grave, which contained around 91 skeletons.
The discovery of a mass grave of Roman date is almost unparalleled in British archaeology and archaeologists now believe the remains were of individuals who had been thrown in over a short period of time during the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD.
The grave contained around 91 skeletons. © Oxford Archaeology
“The skeletons of adult males, females, and children were lying in a very haphazard fashion, their bones completely entangled, reflecting the fact that they had been dumped, unceremoniously in a hurried manner,” explained Louise Loe, Head of Burial Archaeology at Oxford Archaeology.
“When we studied the skeletons we were looking for evidence, such as trauma, that would explain why they had been buried in such a way. In fact, very little trauma was found on the skeletons and there were no diseases that would explain why they had been singled out for this treatment.”
The unusual arrangement of the skeletons led archaeologists to conclude that the individuals were the victims of an epidemic that did not discriminate against age or sex.
The discovery of two 1st century sculptured and inscribed tombstones enabled the team to make a direct connection between documentary evidence and the archaeological record of the site. © Oxford Archaeology
The report, ‘Life and Death in a Roman City’, puts forward the theory that the cause of death may have been the Antonine plague, an outbreak perhaps of smallpox that swept across the Roman Empire between AD 165 and 189.
Plague, which kills quickly, tends not to leave marks on bone and therefore it is not surprising that evidence for disease is lacking on these skeletons. It is hoped that future tests on the bones for DNA will confirm this.
A further exciting discovery of two 1st century sculptured and inscribed tombstones enabled the team to make a direct connection between documentary evidence and the archaeological record of the site.
The unusual arrangement of the skeletons led archaeologists to conclude that the individuals were the victims of an epidemic. © Oxford Archaeology
One tombstone was used for a 14 year old slave. The other was for ‘Lucius Octavius Martialis, son of Lucius, of the Pollian voting tribe, from Eporedia, soldier of the Twentieth Legion.’
The legion was stationed at Gloucester until the 70s AD, and known to have soldiers from Eporedia, modern Ivrea north of Turin. The mass grave population may have been civilian descendants of the Roman military.
Only two other Mass Roman graves have been reported in the UK, but their identification has never been confirmed and neither have been studied.
Find out more about the work of Oxford Archaeology at www.thehumanjourney.net and CgMs at www.cgms.co.uk.
http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART56936.html
GLOUCESTER'S ROMAN MASS GRAVE SKELETONS WERE PLAGUE VICTIMS
By 24 Hour Museum Staff 29/04/2008
Archaeologists work to uncover the Roman mass grave in Gloucester during 2005. © Oxfod Archaeology
A mass Roman grave, discovered in Gloucester in 2005, may have contained the victims of an acute disease of epidemic proportions, possibly plague.
This is the startling conclusion to a new report by Oxford Archaeology and archaelogical consultancy CgMs, who have been conducting an 18-month programme of scientific study on the grave, which contained around 91 skeletons.
The discovery of a mass grave of Roman date is almost unparalleled in British archaeology and archaeologists now believe the remains were of individuals who had been thrown in over a short period of time during the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD.
The grave contained around 91 skeletons. © Oxford Archaeology
“The skeletons of adult males, females, and children were lying in a very haphazard fashion, their bones completely entangled, reflecting the fact that they had been dumped, unceremoniously in a hurried manner,” explained Louise Loe, Head of Burial Archaeology at Oxford Archaeology.
“When we studied the skeletons we were looking for evidence, such as trauma, that would explain why they had been buried in such a way. In fact, very little trauma was found on the skeletons and there were no diseases that would explain why they had been singled out for this treatment.”
The unusual arrangement of the skeletons led archaeologists to conclude that the individuals were the victims of an epidemic that did not discriminate against age or sex.
The discovery of two 1st century sculptured and inscribed tombstones enabled the team to make a direct connection between documentary evidence and the archaeological record of the site. © Oxford Archaeology
The report, ‘Life and Death in a Roman City’, puts forward the theory that the cause of death may have been the Antonine plague, an outbreak perhaps of smallpox that swept across the Roman Empire between AD 165 and 189.
Plague, which kills quickly, tends not to leave marks on bone and therefore it is not surprising that evidence for disease is lacking on these skeletons. It is hoped that future tests on the bones for DNA will confirm this.
A further exciting discovery of two 1st century sculptured and inscribed tombstones enabled the team to make a direct connection between documentary evidence and the archaeological record of the site.
The unusual arrangement of the skeletons led archaeologists to conclude that the individuals were the victims of an epidemic. © Oxford Archaeology
One tombstone was used for a 14 year old slave. The other was for ‘Lucius Octavius Martialis, son of Lucius, of the Pollian voting tribe, from Eporedia, soldier of the Twentieth Legion.’
The legion was stationed at Gloucester until the 70s AD, and known to have soldiers from Eporedia, modern Ivrea north of Turin. The mass grave population may have been civilian descendants of the Roman military.
Only two other Mass Roman graves have been reported in the UK, but their identification has never been confirmed and neither have been studied.
Find out more about the work of Oxford Archaeology at www.thehumanjourney.net and CgMs at www.cgms.co.uk.
I used to work at Oxford Archaeology as it happens, and I cleaned these skeletons. I left in Nov '06, so never heard anymore about this site (after we've cleaned and sorted them, they go off to the experts, and we rarely hear about them again; commercial archaeology is a lot different than "Time Team") , so thank you for the update.
Actually, I think it might have been this site that was a pain in the a** and gave me a rash all over my hands... although I think this was because some of the soil was diesel contaminated, rather than contracting the plague.
I remember these skeletons, because they really were a mess, when we received them (each skeleton gets it's own box, and each body part gets it's own bag within each box) and there were some skeletons with all their bones and more, and some with just an arm or a leg. Pretty confusing stuff.
Anyway, thanks again for the update. I'm chuffed I had a part in this.
QUOTE (Bella-Angelique @ May 2 2008, 04:16 PM)
So perhaps smallpox brought the Empire down as much as anything else did.
I don't know about that. But i did read somewhere there was a outbreak of the blackdeath in the 2nd and 3rd centuries in the roman empire.
Sorry my brain moves faster then my fingers.
Certainly is interesting.
Cannot wait till the tests come back to let us know what they think actually led them all to die.
Not related to the above articale, at least i dont think. Another gravesite in england.
http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/3121083....aeological_dig/
Stunning finds on archaeological dig
1:00pm Thursday 1st May 2008
By Paul Ferguson »
A ROMAN cemetery containing items of national importance has been uncovered in Herefordshire.
One of the biggest historical finds in the Marches has been made at Stretton Grandison. A complete wooden coffin – only the third to be found in the UK – was one of the items uncovered by Leominster-based Border Archaeology (BA).
A kiln, various urns and a working brooch were also unearthed, along with the remains of up to 19 bodies.
The results of the four-month dig – kept secret until now for fear of theft – were revealed to a packed Ashperton Village Hall on Tuesday.
Neil Shurety, BA managing director, was thrilled at the discovery, but believes the site is hiding more.
“We found a hell of a lot and it’s probably the largest find of its kind in Herefordshire,” said Mr Shurety.
“We had indications it was a Roman site, but we had no idea it was going to be this big. The major find was the coffin – this is only the third complete Roman coffin ever found in the UK, and the others were found in London in the Thames.” The dig coincided with major pipeline work, being carried out by Welsh Water and Laing O’Rourke between Lyde and Ledbury. The cemetery was discovered east of Watery Lane, one of 13 sites earmarked for investigation either side of the A417.
The coffin and the body – nicknamed Lucius – is being preserved, following tests at Durham University.
According to archaeologists, Lucius was 46, 5ft 9ins tall, suffered toothache and died around 1,800 years ago.
Most bodies were from the second to the fourth centuries AD, but some dated to the Middle Ages.
One find, dating to 650AD, was much more grisly – a decapitated 15-year-old girl who suffered multiple sharp blows.
Neolithic stakes, used for fishing, were also discovered, suggesting much earlier occupation.
“To have found these stakes I think, personally, was one of the highlights of our dig,” said Mr Shurety.
“These are made of alder and they date to 3,500 BC – it’s so humbling to think that man has been working on this land for all this time.” The coffin, Lucius, and recovered items will go on display in Hereford next year, while the other bodies will be given a proper burial. A book is also being planned, while BA intends to meet villagers to discuss their finds.
http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/3121083....aeological_dig/
Stunning finds on archaeological dig
1:00pm Thursday 1st May 2008
By Paul Ferguson »
A ROMAN cemetery containing items of national importance has been uncovered in Herefordshire.
One of the biggest historical finds in the Marches has been made at Stretton Grandison. A complete wooden coffin – only the third to be found in the UK – was one of the items uncovered by Leominster-based Border Archaeology (BA).
A kiln, various urns and a working brooch were also unearthed, along with the remains of up to 19 bodies.
The results of the four-month dig – kept secret until now for fear of theft – were revealed to a packed Ashperton Village Hall on Tuesday.
Neil Shurety, BA managing director, was thrilled at the discovery, but believes the site is hiding more.
“We found a hell of a lot and it’s probably the largest find of its kind in Herefordshire,” said Mr Shurety.
“We had indications it was a Roman site, but we had no idea it was going to be this big. The major find was the coffin – this is only the third complete Roman coffin ever found in the UK, and the others were found in London in the Thames.” The dig coincided with major pipeline work, being carried out by Welsh Water and Laing O’Rourke between Lyde and Ledbury. The cemetery was discovered east of Watery Lane, one of 13 sites earmarked for investigation either side of the A417.
The coffin and the body – nicknamed Lucius – is being preserved, following tests at Durham University.
According to archaeologists, Lucius was 46, 5ft 9ins tall, suffered toothache and died around 1,800 years ago.
Most bodies were from the second to the fourth centuries AD, but some dated to the Middle Ages.
One find, dating to 650AD, was much more grisly – a decapitated 15-year-old girl who suffered multiple sharp blows.
Neolithic stakes, used for fishing, were also discovered, suggesting much earlier occupation.
“To have found these stakes I think, personally, was one of the highlights of our dig,” said Mr Shurety.
“These are made of alder and they date to 3,500 BC – it’s so humbling to think that man has been working on this land for all this time.” The coffin, Lucius, and recovered items will go on display in Hereford next year, while the other bodies will be given a proper burial. A book is also being planned, while BA intends to meet villagers to discuss their finds.
Wow man so fascinating. Sad, sad to think about that girl though. It is just awesome though to think those people once lived so long ago and now we are finding clues about them.
My favorite skeleton finding and it is probably old hat to some on the site but nothing can ever compare in my mind:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6338751.stm
My favorite skeleton finding and it is probably old hat to some on the site but nothing can ever compare in my mind:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6338751.stm
QUOTE (Clovis @ May 2 2008, 06:12 PM)
Wow man so fascinating. Sad, sad to think about that girl though. It is just awesome though to think those people once lived so long ago and now we are finding clues about them.
My favorite skeleton finding and it is probably old hat to some on the site but nothing can ever compare in my mind:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6338751.stm
My favorite skeleton finding and it is probably old hat to some on the site but nothing can ever compare in my mind:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6338751.stm
That was a interesting story to.
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