Recovering a Roman stone sarcophagus coffin

During archaeological excavations as part of a housing development, a remarkable Roman burial was found at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, UK. The sarcophagus itself lay directly in the path of a roadway (the line of which can been seen heading in that direction in the background of several shots). This grave and all the others excavated on the site would have been destroyed as part of the construction process, hence the archaeological project in advance of construction. The majority (c. 85-95%) of all ancient human remains lifted in the UK are removed in advance of housing and road construction.

When archaeologists lifted the lid off a three tonne stone coffin they were surprised to discover that the coffin had not filled with soil. Instead, they found themselves looking down at the skeleton of a woman who was cradling a young child in her arms.

Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/wiltshire/boscombe/preserved-roman-remains/index.html

A slightly longer version can be seen at http://vimeo.com/601226

Видео Recovering a Roman stone sarcophagus coffin канала wessexarchaeology