Roman remains in York are 'elite' African woman

Feb 27, 2010 14:56


Archaeologists have revealed the remains of what they say was a "high status" woman of African origin who lived in York during Roman times.



Academics say the discovery goes against the common assumption that all Africans in Roman Britain were low status male slaves.

Remains of the Ivory Bangle Lady, as she has been named, were studied in Reading using forensic techniques.

She was first discovered in the Bootham area of York in August 1901.

Her remains were in a stone coffin near Sycamore Terrace in the city.

Her grave dates back to the second half of the 4th Century. She was buried with items including jet and elephant ivory bracelets, earrings, beads and a blue glass jug.

She also had a rectangular piece of bone, which is thought to have originally been mounted in a wooden box, which was carved to read, "Hail, sister, may you live in God'.

More at the source

I think this is pretty cool, although I would have liked a better name for her...Ivory Bangle Lady? No, thank you. I would have preferred Lady of York or Lady Sycamore something more romantic. But, whatever. Still good news.

black history

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