Rediscovering the Dead of Roman York

Speakers: Maureen Carroll, Lucy Creighton, Patrick Gibbs and James Osborn Rediscover the archaeological treasures of Roman York in this fascinating panel discussion, which focuses on a particular Roman burial custom that, until recently, was shrouded in mystery. For reasons we do not entirely understand, the Romans sometimes poured liquid gypsum - a mineral used in making various types of cement and plaster - over the clothed corpses of adults and children in coffins before burying them. The rediscovery of 19th-century grave excavation records, together with 3D scans of the gypsum casts and associated grave goods in the Yorkshire Museum, has enabled researchers and curators to rebuild forgotten burial assemblages, thereby reimagining the dead of Roman York. Come along to learn about this ancient funerary practice, made accessible to the public here for the very first time. Content warning: Please be aware that this talk will contain sensitive content including images of human remains and burials, and the discussion of death of both adults and children.