Ancient World FORUM
The Recent Uncovered Massacre Site in U.K.
Draconifer
Until forensic microwear analysis testing is applied by archaeologists, I disagree with the theory of the skeletal remains of Celts being slain
by Romans circa the Claudian invasion. More likely it was the
aftermath of Queen Boudicca's reprisal against Londinium.
I don't know if the "boudicca layer" can be referenced by context of stratigraphy.
The reason is typically "Celtic" beheadings and the vindictive nature of the killing as well as the
cutting v.s the efficient stabbing of Roman pilum or gladius.
This again is of course until microwear analysis if not radiocarbon dating from secondary artifacts substantiate the era.
Also it was not entirely rare for vulnerable camp followers and support staff like commisarry to be ambushed in reprisal as well as collaborators. Another theory is perhaps auxilary allies and client
king's warriors settling ancestral blood feuds on rival tribes.
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| Mr Mac |
1
The Roman gladius is often mistaken for solely a "stabbing sword."
Polybius tells us that the gladius could slice off arms and soldiers could in one slash of the sword "cut off a horse's leg."
It was an incredibly powerful weapon, but not just for stabbing.
Also, keep in mind, gladius just meant 'sword' in latin. The sword we all think of as the gladius is properly referred to as the 'gladius hispanieus' or "Spanish Sword."
Posted: 14-Jun-2009 17:11
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| kuvaszsleepybear |
2
What Uncovered Massacre site??Is there a website on story somewhere??
Posted: 14-Jun-2009 19:02
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| Draconifer |
3
Quite so. My apologies for the oversight. The generically called gladius with it's honed edge was modified or styled after the Celtiberian "falcatta"
I believe. "Rome's Vietnam" in Hispania as well as Hannibal's allied warriors impressed the Romans in antiquity's arms race.
Roman arms and armour were greatly
influenced by Celtic models.In addition to "cannibalising" Hellenist
Greek culture the Romans were quick to be inspired by their adversaries and improve upon them. One often forgets
that the Celtic "barbarians" were the bane of early Rome until Telamon and then Caesar's Gallic wars. Caesar decisively turned that tide.
The Roman centurions being a pragmatic-minded people would
have naturally wanted the gladius to inflict cuts at all angles to preserve
the cohesion of their legions in the fury of battle.
Posted: 17-Jun-2009 06:44
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| kuvaszsleepybear |
4
OK I've gone on Google and can't find anything about this so asking AGAIN where is a site to read about this???
Posted: 17-Jun-2009 22:53
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| Draconifer |
5
There are of course other words for massacre. Thesaurus of course
is a Latin-derived word apripos enough. I got the story from America on Line.
Anyway so I was thinking Again that is a Boudicca rebellion
mass grave rather than the aftermath of a Roman battle v.s. Celts.
The cuts inflicted hint at the vindictive. The Claudians were not vengeful
only enterprising. The severing of an enemy's heads seem consistent with the the grisly dismembering rituals of the headhunting Celts and or "Picts." Perhaps they were the victims of druidic rites.
Their wounds are identical which is consistent with a ceremonial sacrifice and no evidence of discarded fragments
of weapons or armour hinting at battle. An earth sacrifice to a deity of Albion?
I think the nationalism of the workers eager for the games coloured the initial reports. Archaeologists should have been consulted for balance. I hope respect is shown for the human remains.
Like Howard Carter I don't think it ethical to treat slain soldiers
as a curiousity for a gawking public.
Posted: 18-Jun-2009 09:20
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| Mike @ Osprey |
6
I think I have found the article that you are talking about from the Daily Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1192353/Mass-war-grave-50-headless-bodies-Olympics-site.html
From what I can see it seems to be an article about a mass grave being discovered during the work on the Olympic site...
Posted: 18-Jun-2009 09:51
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| kuvaszsleepybear |
7
Mike@Osprey,OK,Thanx,that Draconifer was really starting to P**S me off,LOL>
Posted: 18-Jun-2009 18:20
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| Draconifer |
8
Eureka!
Posted: 19-Jun-2009 19:47
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| Ironside |
9
It turns out that the 'Roman' mass grave is actually late Saxon: http://www.culture24.org.uk/history/archaeology/art70748
Posted: 14-Aug-2009 20:48
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