The remains of an ancient Roman aristocrat found in the “unusual” cemetery

In the UK, the remains of a Roman aristocrat were found in an “unusual” cemetery near Leeds. Archaeologists are pleased with the discovery of a Roman-Saxon settlement dating back many hundreds of years.

The skeletal remains of a Roman aristocrat have been discovered in a 1,600-year-old “truly unusual” hidden cemetery, writes The Guardian.

The bones, belonging to an ancient high-status woman, were discovered in an ancient lead coffin during excavations in the town of Garforth, near Leeds.

Archaeologists say the “once in a lifetime” find could help unravel the mysteries of a period spanning from the fall of the Roman Empire in 400 AD to the start of the Anglo-Saxon era.

David Hunter, chief archaeologist for the West Yorkshire United Survey, says: “This has the potential to be of great significance to what we understand about the development of ancient Britain and Yorkshire.”

What is unusual for an ancient cemetery, The Guardian points out, is that the remains found at Garfort belonged to people from the late Roman and early Saxon eras. The skeleton of a late Roman aristocracy woman was found alongside the remains of 60 men, women and children from two periods.

Archaeologists have traced the burial traditions of both cultures to the cemetery, the exact location of which is kept secret.

Archaeologist David Hunter says: “The presence of two communities using the same burial site is extremely unusual, and whether their use of this cemetery coincided or not depends on how significant the find is. Taken together, the burials point to the complexity and precariousness of life during this dynamic period in Yorkshire’s history. The lead coffin itself is extremely rare, so this was truly an extraordinary dig.”

Experts will try to establish the exact timing of burials using radiocarbon dating of the remains. Chemical tests will be carried out to try to determine how the people who own these remains lived and ate, as well as details about their origins.

Leeds City Council said the find was made last spring, but it was only now made public because of the need to ensure the safety of the site during testing.

Although the exact location remains a secret, the excavation was prompted in part by the discovery of late Roman stone buildings and a small number of Anglo-Saxon structures nearby.

Kylie Buxton, head of excavation at the site, said working on such a project is every archaeologist’s dream, adding: “There is always a chance of finding burials, but finding a cemetery of this significance in such a transitional time was absolutely incredible. It was a special honor for me to unearth a burial in a high-status lead coffin, but it was a great teamwork of all involved.”

Early analysis shows that some of those at the cemetery held early Christian beliefs, and the Saxons were accompanied by personal items such as knives and pottery.

The local council has expressed its hope that the ancient coffin will be displayed in an upcoming exhibition at the Leeds City Museum on death and burial customs from around the world.