Roman Britain Executions Revealed – New Evidence

A decorated copper-alloy key handle was recovered during the excavation of a townhouse in Roman Leicester (Ratae Corieltavorum). The decoration comprises two groups of figures modeled in high relief: a bearded, unarmed man fighting with a lion, arranged above four naked male youths embracing one another in a protective manner. Credit: University of Leicester Archaeological Services

King’s research has helped uncover new evidence showing the portrayal of the execution of captives in the arena by throwing them to lions. The evidence follows the discovery of an elaborately decorated Roman bronze key handle.

The handle, discovered by archaeologists in Leicester, portrays a “Barbarian” grappling with a lion, together with four naked youths cowering in terror.

The key handle was discovered by the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), buried below the floor of a late Roman townhouse excavated in the city in 2016. After conservation, this unique object was studied at King’s and the findings are now published in the journal Britannia.

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Source: https://www.ancientpages.com/2021/08/14/roman-britain-executions-revealed-new-evidence/