Decapitated skeletons, brooches, spoons, coins and tableware have been found in an archaeological dig that uncovered part of a Roman town.

This included the largest Roman cemetery yet to be excavated in Buckinghamshire, with 425 burials.

Several lead weights and more than 1,200 coins were discovered, suggesting the site was used for trade and as a staging post for travellers and soldiers passing along the road to the garrison at Alchester.

Many domestic finds were made, including gaming dice, bells and jars, while a stone-built corn dryer or malting oven provided evidence of brewing.

High quality tableware called Samian pottery and spoons, pins and brooches were also unearthed.

About 10% of those buried in the late Roman cemetery were decapitated, which could be a "normal, albeit marginal, burial rite" - or an indication those decapitated were criminals or outcasts.

To read the complete article, see:
HS2: Decapitated skeletons found near Aylesbury(https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-60254154)