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M5 motorway archaeological dig reveals unique Roman burial ground in Gloucestershire
Overview
Pre-construction work for the M5 junction 10 improvements scheme in Gloucestershire has uncovered a unique Roman burial ground featuring over 100 burials, including more than 50 non-normative burials with decapitated and crouched skeletons. Archaeologists also discovered items from the Paleolithic, Roman, and Saxon periods, such as brooches, bracelets, bricks, and tiles, which experts believe are very likely to be of national significance.
Key points
- A unique burial ground was discovered during pre-construction work on the M5 junction 10 improvements scheme in Gloucestershire.
- The site contained more than 100 burials in total, with over 50 being non-normative burials such as crouched or decapitated skeletons.
- Items, skeletons, and structures from the Paleolithic, Roman, and Saxon periods were unearthed at the site.
- Archaeologists also recovered well-preserved artefacts including brooches, bracelets, bricks, and tiles.
- Project officer Ada Torka-Lis stated it is very likely the finds are of national significance.