Gladiator Graveyard Found in York

This is somewhat off-topic, but I know a number of the readers of this blog are interested in either the Romans or archaeology, and as it interested me I thought I'd pass it on.

According to The Guardian, the results of forensic tests on 80 plus Roman male skeletons found in York has suggested that they may have been gladiators. It is apparently the "best-preserved" gladiator graveyard in the world. York is best known for the Viking site that was discovered there a few decades ago. It would be nice to see York known for its Roman history as much as it is for its Viking history, particularly as my parents live relatively nearby.

A documentary about the discovery, Gladiators: Back from the Dead, will be shown on Channel 4 next Monday (14th June 2010) at 9pm.