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What does a shackled skeleton in a ditch tell us about slavery in Roman Britain?

Prof. Richard Alston reflects on a new discovery that sheds light on slavery in Roman Britain

  • Date16 June 2021

Following the discovery of chained body in a shallow grave in Rutland, Richard Alston reflects for The Conversation on what this new discovery tells us about Roman slavery.

Classics – shackles (MOLA).jpg

Roman shackles found on around the ankles of the skeleton discovered at Great Casterton. Image credit: MOLA

In the village of Great Casterton in the East Midlands, a skeleton with shackles around its ankles has been discovered buried in a shallow grave. In an article for The Conversation, Prof. Richard Alston tells us more about this discovery and explores what it tells us about slavery in Roman Britain. Read the article here to find out what he has to say.

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