A Unique Tomb Filled with Jewellery was Discovered in A Roman Cemetery Near Wansford

During the expansion of the A47 road near Wansford, close to Peterborough, a remarkable Roman cemetery was unexpectedly uncovered, leaving archaeologists in awe. The excavation team describes this site as “extraordinary” due to the diverse burial practices and the array of grave goods discovered. Notably, the jewelry found with a young child and a solid stone sarcophagus underscore the cemetery’s significance.

Among the most notable discoveries is the jewelry belonging to a child believed to be around five years old. These artifacts are seen as indicators of the child’s affluence and elevated social standing. The team suggests that such a burial custom reflects the societal values placed on children and the hierarchical structure of that era.

The solid stone sarcophagus, which contains a body encased in plaster, is crafted from Ancaster stone and was transported from Lincolnshire, approximately 30 miles away. Interestingly, the lid of the sarcophagus is made from Barnack stone, a material native to the Peterborough area, leading archaeologists to speculate that the original lid may have been damaged and subsequently replaced.

Currently, the excavation team has not identified the specific community associated with the cemetery. The absence of nearby settlement structures adds to the intrigue surrounding this site. Sara Machin from Headland Archaeology mentioned that the artifacts are being analyzed at their Silsoe facility in Bedfordshire, and they plan to explore the familial relationships of those interred and their connections to the community through DNA testing.

Jessica Lowther, also from Headland Archaeology, highlights the importance of such excavations in revealing the everyday lives of people from the past. “We may not always have history books documenting our lives, but archaeology can narrate these stories,” she notes.

The variety of burial customs found within such a confined area makes this cemetery truly “one of a kind.” Archaeologists believe that it will yield valuable insights into burial practices and social dynamics during the Roman period in Britain.

Headland Archaeology