Video of the Boscombe Down Roman coffin
In December we announced the discovery of a Roman stone coffin at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. Inside were the remains of a woman cradling a child in her arms. The unique environment within the coffin had allowed the preservation of the leather and cork slippers of the lady, as well as the child’s calf skin shoes. This was an exceptionally rare find.
Finding a complete coffin with lid intact, and witnessing the removal of the lid was a momentous occasion for all of the archaeologists working on the site.
Fortunately, we were able to capture these exciting moments on video to share with you. This short film begins with our osteoarchaeologist Jacqueline McKinley removing soil from around the coffin, the first look inside the coffin with an infra-red camera, to the removal of the lid and the careful excavation and planning of the remains inside.
Opening a Roman Coffin from Wessex Archaeology on Vimeo.
A shorter (10 minute) version is available on YouTube.
Tags: boscombe down, burial, coffin, discovery, film, organic preservation, Roman, skeleton, video
January 16th, 2008 at 9:49 am
[...] Discovery of a roman stone coffin Video welches die Arbeit der Archäologen vor Ort zeigt. [...]
January 16th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
A pity the video could not be followed up with a post-excavation sequel when the coffin contents were examined in detail. Ah well, next time?
Anyway, an excellent video of hands-on archaeology in real time.
January 16th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Thank you for this wonderful film. Circumstances prevented me from becoming an archaeologist, but you have helped me experience the thrill of discovery. And it was a great, evocative discovery. Thanks again.
L. J. Bens
Canada
January 18th, 2008 at 10:19 am
[...] Online video by Wessex Archaeology Full version Published in: [...]
January 21st, 2008 at 2:20 am
How exciting for these students to participate in finding this Roman coffin containing important clues to Britain’s past. Wessex Archaeology is doing a fantastic job during these archaeological excavations and I am living vicariously through your podcasts. Thank you for providing such excellent coverage of your discoveries.
Sincerely,
Michael Burgess, M. Ed.
Marietta, Georgia, USA
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
Dear L. J. Bens and Michael,
Thank you for your comments on the video. We are very glad that you have enjoyed it!
We hope to video some more of our projects this year, and have some new podcasts coming up too. Watch this space!
Kind regards,
Tom