Researchers Stunned to Find First Compelling Skeletal Evidence of a Gladiator Bitten by a Lion

In the past, experts have found evidence of individuals participating as gladiators during the Roman Empire. A new study published in PLOS ONE discusses in detail a new form of evidence regarding these gladiators in Roman Britain.

This new evidence constitutes skeletal remains in a Roman-period cemetery outside York in England. It was a single skeleton and was identified as a human. Researchers observed certain distinct lesions on it, and, after examination, concluded that the lesions were made by a large feline species.

The finding was valuable, as the cemetery where the evidence was found had been speculated to contain remains of gladiators. Gladiators were individuals who were forced to fight each other and animals for entertainment, according to ABC News. These performances were hugely popular in the Roman Empire, as evidenced by writing and art dedicated to them. The skeleton was dated back to the third century through examinations. Considering the place where the skeleton was found and the markings on it, researchers claimed that the remains could be of a gladiator. If true, then it is the first confirmed physical evidence of gladiator animal combat in the Roman Empire.

To analyze the skeleton, researchers closely scanned it using 3D technology. Examinations indicated that the man had been decapitated. There were some round markings on his hip bones. On analysis, the markings were similar to those produced by zoo animals after chewing bones. Comparison showcased that such markings could have been made by leopards, lions, tigers, and cheetahs. Researchers do not think the markings are what caused this man's death. The team, though, believes it was made at the time of death, possibly when the animal was dragging him on the ground. 

Researchers suggested, after the examinations, that the decapitation occurred after the man had taken his last breath. This could have been done to put the individual out of his misery after a painful bout with a beast. The skeleton was discovered along with 80 others back in 2004. All the bodies dated from the first or early second century A.D. to the late fourth century A.D. The gladiator theory is further backed by the fact that the city of York was an important part of the expansive Roman Empire. The majority of the skeletons were of men. Further analysis suggested that these individuals belonged to different parts of the empire. The remains exhibited a lot of injuries, some of which had also healed. In some cases, there were also signs of decapitation, which indicated execution.

Experts believe the discovery of gladiator remains was scarce, as researchers were not examining discoveries, keeping the possibility in mind of finding any. This was because during that period, the Romans cremated dead bodies. The team is hopeful that this examination encourages people to analyze remains, keeping this prospect in mind.