Roman skeleton examined

30 October 2009

EXPERTS are examining a Roman skeleton discovered in an excavation dig in Weston.

Forensic archaeologists at a specialist centre in York are testing the bones to attempt to identify when they date back to.

The skeleton was found during a six-week dig at Weston College's Knightstone Campus last month.

The excavation also revealed the first sign of a Roman settlement in the town, with pottery, coins and metal tools all discovered.

Avon Archaeological Unit (AAU) director Andrew Young told the Mercury: "Testing of the bones is now taking place at a specialist unit in York.

"When that is done we will have a better idea of who this person is and when he lived in the town."

Mr Young said early x-rays on the coins had revealed they were from the Constantine I Roman Emperor era between 272 and 337 AD.

The archaeological excavation was undertaken by AAU as part of planning permission conditions by Weston College to extend the existing Hans Price building.