Face of a Roman Crucifixion Victim Revealed
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, the face of a Roman crucifixion victim has been reconstructed for the first time, shedding light on the life and tragic end of an individual who lived in what is now Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire. Unearthed in 2017 alongside other burials dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries, this finding is a pivotal glimpse into a previously unknown Roman settlement.
Photo Credit: Impossible Factual
Cambridge University bone specialist, Corinne Duhig, described the discovery as "almost unique." The skeleton, found with a nail through the heel, presented an opportunity for experts to reconstruct the victim's face. The reconstruction was revealed in a BBC Four program, where details of the man's life were explored.
Prior to the Fenstanton discovery, the only other Roman crucified remains had been found in Israel. Duhig, an osteologist from Cambridge University's Wolfson College, highlighted the rarity of this find, stating, "The lucky combination of good preservation and the nail being left in the bone has allowed me to examine this almost unique example when so many thousands have been lost."
The reconstructed face tells a story of suffering and resilience. Other injuries were found, indicating the man had experienced hardship before his death. His legs showed signs of infection or inflammation, possibly caused by a systemic disorder or being bound or shackled. Despite the brutality of his death, he was given a normal burial by his community.
Photo Credit: Albion Archaeology
Analysis of the remains provided additional insights into the man's life. He spent his entire life in the Cambridgeshire area, likely had brown hair and eyes, and was identified as a manual worker. The discovery of animal bones on the site suggested he might have been involved in processing bone marrow for candles or soaps.
Crucifixion was a particularly brutal form of execution, famously used for figures like Jesus Christ but also employed for traitors and slaves. In the 3rd Century, with the extension of Roman citizenship, its use expanded. Duhig emphasized the uniqueness of this case, stating, "He was tortured yet given over to his population to have an absolutely normal burial."
The settlement was discovered by Albion Archaeology during an excavation in 2017, preceding a planned housing development. Five 3rd and 4th Century cemeteries were uncovered, revealing the burials of 40 adults and five children, some from the same families.
The reconstruction of the face of a Roman crucifixion victim in Fenstanton brings a human touch to ancient history, allowing us to connect with the individual behind the bones. As technology and expertise continue to advance, we may unravel more mysteries from the past, providing a deeper understanding of the lives and hardships endured by our ancestors.