Bath Gate Cemetery
The cemetery was outside the town walls and located along either side of the Fosse Way, which entered Corinium at the Bath Gate. In the 1970s an extensive archaeological dig between the quarry site and the the gate discovered part of the Fosse Way and 453 burials of the 3rd and 4th century.
The excavations revealed mostly simple burials but also tombstones and coffins. Some of the burials included personal ornaments such as bone combs, brooches and items of jewellery. Occasionally grave goods were present, including an ornate folding knife and a cooking pot which contained the remains of a chicken.
The excavation provided an insight into the population. The skeletal evidence indicates the hard working lives of the people buried here, which contrasts with those buried in the walled cemetery further north, reserved for wealthy burials.
At least eight skeletons had some indication of injuries caused by weapons. One male received a severe gash to his head which fractured his skull. He survived and later was subject to trepanning, probably to treat the neurological aftereffects of the initial injury. The healing of the skull indicates that he also survived this treatment.
[Richard Holmes; noticeboard at the Obelisk]
Cirencester Excavations II: Romano British Cemeteries
Current Archaeology, 10th July 2013 [Discoveries on the Bridges Garage site in the Tetbury Road]
https://cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Excavations-and-Observations-in-Roman-Cirencester-1998-2007_Part04.pdf
The cemetery was outside the town walls and located along either side of the Fosse Way, which entered Corinium at the Bath Gate. In the 1970s an extensive archaeological dig between the quarry site and the the gate discovered part of the Fosse Way and 453 burials of the 3rd and 4th century.
The excavations revealed mostly simple burials but also tombstones and coffins. Some of the burials included personal ornaments such as bone combs, brooches and items of jewellery. Occasionally grave goods were present, including an ornate folding knife and a cooking pot which contained the remains of a chicken.
The excavation provided an insight into the population. The skeletal evidence indicates the hard working lives of the people buried here, which contrasts with those buried in the walled cemetery further north, reserved for wealthy burials.
At least eight skeletons had some indication of injuries caused by weapons. One male received a severe gash to his head which fractured his skull. He survived and later was subject to trepanning, probably to treat the neurological aftereffects of the initial injury. The healing of the skull indicates that he also survived this treatment.
[Richard Holmes; noticeboard at the Obelisk]
Cirencester Excavations II: Romano British Cemeteries
Current Archaeology, 10th July 2013 [Discoveries on the Bridges Garage site in the Tetbury Road]
https://cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Excavations-and-Observations-in-Roman-Cirencester-1998-2007_Part04.pdf