Skeletons found in Leicester could be the earliest examples of African people living in the famously diverse city.
The University of Leicester found 83 skeletons in a Roman graveyard dating back as early as the 2nd Century.
Six with possible African ancestry is the first evidence of migrants from the continent in the city, experts said.
Leicester was known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans. "Ratae" is a latinate form of the Brittonic word for "ramparts", suggesting the site was an Iron Age oppidum - a large fortified Iron Age settlement. "Corieltauvorum" is the Latin for "of the Corieltauvi", the name of the Celtic tribe whose capital it served as under the Romans.
Leicester's Roman skeletons have 'African links'
2 December 2016
BBC News
Roman belt buckle that was buried with someone who may have been an imperial official
Skeletons found in Leicester could be the earliest examples of African people living in the famously diverse city.
The University of Leicester found 83 skeletons in a Roman graveyard dating back as early as the 2nd Century.
Six with possible African ancestry is the first evidence of migrants from the continent in the city, experts said.
Leicester is one of the UK's most diverse cities, with half its population described as white British compared to 80% nationally.
Mathew Morris, project supervisor, said it showed Leicester's multiculturalism was not confined to recent decades.
An archaeologist excavates a skeleton in the Roman cemetery at Western Road
The remains, dating between the 2nd and 4th Century, were discovered during a series of excavations between 2010 and 2015 at a former factory site in Western Road.
However, the university said some bodies were buried with grave goods or exhibit burial customs not previously seen in the city.
Mr Morris said six had African cranial features but "excitingly" two of them, one a child, appear to have been born in England.
He said by studying their teeth the team was able to tell what type of water they drank and where in the country it originated.
Through this process, known as isotope analysis, they can chart migration.
The archaeologist said one of the people was probably born in the Pennines area and the other in Leicester itself.
A selection of grave goods from the cemetery include intact pottery vessels, glass and bone beads
Leicester was known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans
He said there are a number of theories why they were in Leicester including for trade or military reasons.
Skeletons of African origin, dating from the same period, have been found in York and at Hadrian's Wall, but this is the first evidence in Leicester.
During the excavations an elaborately decorated belt was found which would have been worn by a late Roman soldier or civil servant.
The university has been nominated for a national archaeology award for its work at the cemetery.
Leicester's Roman skeletons have 'African links' - BBC News
The University of Leicester found 83 skeletons in a Roman graveyard dating back as early as the 2nd Century.
Six with possible African ancestry is the first evidence of migrants from the continent in the city, experts said.
Leicester was known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans. "Ratae" is a latinate form of the Brittonic word for "ramparts", suggesting the site was an Iron Age oppidum - a large fortified Iron Age settlement. "Corieltauvorum" is the Latin for "of the Corieltauvi", the name of the Celtic tribe whose capital it served as under the Romans.
Leicester's Roman skeletons have 'African links'
2 December 2016
BBC News
Roman belt buckle that was buried with someone who may have been an imperial official
Skeletons found in Leicester could be the earliest examples of African people living in the famously diverse city.
The University of Leicester found 83 skeletons in a Roman graveyard dating back as early as the 2nd Century.
Six with possible African ancestry is the first evidence of migrants from the continent in the city, experts said.
Leicester is one of the UK's most diverse cities, with half its population described as white British compared to 80% nationally.
Mathew Morris, project supervisor, said it showed Leicester's multiculturalism was not confined to recent decades.
An archaeologist excavates a skeleton in the Roman cemetery at Western Road
The remains, dating between the 2nd and 4th Century, were discovered during a series of excavations between 2010 and 2015 at a former factory site in Western Road.
However, the university said some bodies were buried with grave goods or exhibit burial customs not previously seen in the city.
Mr Morris said six had African cranial features but "excitingly" two of them, one a child, appear to have been born in England.
He said by studying their teeth the team was able to tell what type of water they drank and where in the country it originated.
Through this process, known as isotope analysis, they can chart migration.
The archaeologist said one of the people was probably born in the Pennines area and the other in Leicester itself.
A selection of grave goods from the cemetery include intact pottery vessels, glass and bone beads
Leicester was known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans
He said there are a number of theories why they were in Leicester including for trade or military reasons.
Skeletons of African origin, dating from the same period, have been found in York and at Hadrian's Wall, but this is the first evidence in Leicester.
During the excavations an elaborately decorated belt was found which would have been worn by a late Roman soldier or civil servant.
The university has been nominated for a national archaeology award for its work at the cemetery.
Leicester's Roman skeletons have 'African links' - BBC News
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