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The Mystery Of 40 Headless Skeletons Unearthed At High-Speed Rail In The UK

Some 40 decapitated skeletons were among the 425 remains unearthed by archaeologists from a large Roman cemetery discovered on the HS2 high-speed rail line.

One of the headless skeletons, the head is placed between the legs. The Guardian’s photo.

A team of 50 people discovered the remains at a cemetery in Fleet Marston near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

About 10% of the skeletons found here were decapitated, with the head in some cases placed between the legs or next to the feet.

Railway company HS2 said this could be because those buried were “criminals or part of the social outcast”.

In addition, archaeologists also discovered more than 1,200 coins at Fleet Marston, indicating that this was a trading and trading area.

Discovered household items including spoons, pins and brooches were found, while dice and gaming bells suggest gambling and religious practices also played a role in the residents. at this location.



Excavation at HS2 has been going on for over a year. Richard Brown, senior project manager, said: “The excavation is important in understanding clearly the character of this Roman town as well as in the study of many of its inhabitants.

“The extensive Roman cemetery at Fleet Marston will allow us to get a detailed look at the inhabitants of Fleet Marston as well as a panoramic view of the Roman UK,” added Mr Brown.