News Anthropology

Skulls from ancient London suggest ritual decapitations

River finds may be remains of head-hunting victims or of defeated gladiators

MARKED FOR DEATH  Among the skull remains that researchers have connected to ritual decapitations in Roman London is this lower jaw with a wound, shown in close-up, that was caused by a sharp-edged weapon.

© Museum of London

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Rare evidence of ritual beheadings in ancient Roman-controlled London comes from three dozen human skulls bearing an array of serious wounds, scientists say.