Unusual Roman-era graves discovered in UK by archaeologists

close

Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for Jan. 8

Fox News Flash top headlines for Jan. 8 are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com

Archaeologists recently unearthed graves of more than 50 adults and children in a strange Roman cemetery that was found in the United Kingdom.

The discovery gives researchers new insights into what it was like in the southwest of the U.K. after the Romans invaded.

Some of those buried at the cemetery in Somerton were members of high society, and scientists were struck by the graves' structure. They were mostly capped and sealed with the type of slabs used to build roofs in the area 2,000 years ago.

FUKUSHIMA NUCLEAR PLANT EXCLUSION ZONE OVERTAKEN BY WILD ANIMALS

The remains of a woman believed to have been buried with a pillow behind her head were among those found. (Wessex Archaeology)

Steve Membery, an archaeologist and member of the South West Heritage Trust that has overseen the excavations, said in a statement: “This site is a significant discovery. The individuals were evidently of some status. Most graves in Roman Britain are pretty much a rectangular cut with someone laid on their back. They’ve actually built these graves. There’s been a lot more care taken over these.”

Other items discovered reportedly include “grave goods” such as pottery and jewelry, a coin from the time of Emperor Vespasian and a piece of carved bone.

The team plans to carry out DNA analysis to learn more about the people who were buried at Somerton.

BRIGHT STAR MAY HAVE BEEN A 'CANNIBAL,' SCIENTISTS SAY

Reconstructed ceramic pot which was placed in the grave as an offering (Wessex Archaeology)

GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Faye Purbrick, the cabinet member for education, said in a statement: “The findings are both exciting and extraordinary, providing us with valuable insight into Somerset’s early history. We will be able to understand so much more about the lives of Roman people in Somerton thanks to these discoveries.”