Colchester Museums have been working with archaeologists and specialists to ‘decode’ the hidden stories of 40 of Colchester’s earliest inhabitants.
Through new scientific research techniques, they have reconstructed the identity and lives of these people: where they came from in the empire, what illnesses they lived with, and how they were cremated at their funerals.
Decoding the Roman Dead is an exhibition that explores the results of new scientific analysis and archaeological research into Colchester Museums’ Roman cremation burials. The project, a collaboration with the University of Reading and supported by our partners, Durham University and the Colchester Archaeological Trust, has already shed new light on the lives of those who lived occupied and lived under Roman occupation almost 2000 years ago.
Recently, Dan Snow visited Colchester Museum and spoke to some of the leading archaeologists, osteologists and scientists to find out more about the ‘Decoding the Roman Dead’ archaeological project.
Up Next in Beware the Ides of March
-
The Roman Emperors: With Mary Beard
Classicist and national treasure Mary Beard speaks to Dan about Ancient Rome and its emperors.
-
The Life of Julius Caesar with Simon ...
Historian and archaeologist Simon Elliott has written extensively on the Roman world. He answers the key questions surrounding one of history's most compelling figures - Julius Caesar. Who was Julius Caesar and what was his family history? How did military and political changes aid the rise of Ju...
-
Rise of Cleopatra
In this film three leading Egyptologists explore how Cleopatra became one of the most influential and powerful women of the ancient world.
We trace how Cleopatra's learning and intelligence enabled her to gain control of her own Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt; skilfully and ruthlessly overcoming her...
15 Comments