British Museum to display Cambridgeshire crucifixion remains

The excavated body is the second confirmed example of Roman crucifixion ever unearthed, and is the first found in Europe.

Experts were able to confirm that the remains proved that Roman's used crucifixion as there was a nail found lodged in the man's heel.

The remains were found in 2017 by Albion Archaeology at a Fenstanton site due for housing development.

The crucified body was excavated from one of five small Roman cemeteries alongside the remains of 47 other people, both adults and children, and some from the same families.

The grave of a crucified skeleton was discovered in Fenstanton in 2017 among many Roman artefacts. (Credit: Albion Archaeology) (Image: Albion Archaeology)

It is believed that the Fenstanton site was once a Roman settlement on the Via Devana, which was the Roman route from Colchester to Chester. 

A large building and signs of trade were found on the site.

Thousands of Roman-era items were also excavated including brooches, pottery, coins and animal bones.

Recommended Reading: Roman crucifixion burial found in Fenstanton

The excavation as the subject of a BBC 4 documentary called 'The Cambridge Crucifixion'. In the documentary, a facial reconstruction was carried out on the remains set to be displayed at the British Museum.

The crucified remains are believed to be those of a lower status Briton who lived his whole life in Cambridgeshire. 

The remains will be on display in the British Museum's latest exhibition, 'Legion: Life in the Roman Army', which will run from February 1 to June 23, 2024.

The exhibition will explore the reality of daily life for men, women and children in the Roman Empire.

There will also be a Roman legionary shield and body armour on display alongside the crucified Cambridgeshire remains.

Cambridgeshire County Council are now considering how to display the Cambridgeshire crucifixion remains locally when they return from the British Museum exhibition.