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Gruesome Viking Grave Reveals Execution Site
4 Feb
Summary
- A burial pit containing at least 10 bodies from the ninth century was discovered by students.
- The remains suggest a possible execution site, with some bodies appearing to be tied up.
- A remarkably tall man, estimated at 6ft 5in, was found with a hole in his skull.
Archaeologists have unearthed a grim Viking-age burial pit on the outskirts of Cambridge. Discovered by Cambridge University students during a training dig between spring and summer of last year, the pit contains the remains of at least 10 individuals from around the ninth century AD.
Evidence suggests the site may have served as an execution ground. Some skeletons were found in positions implying they were tied up, and multiple skulls were found without accompanying bodies. Experts theorize these could be victims of corporal punishment or individuals executed in the aftermath of battles.
Remarkably, the excavation revealed the remains of a man estimated to be 6ft 5in tall, significantly above the average male height of 5ft 6in for the period. This 'giant' individual also had a 3cm hole in his skull, indicating a possible ancient surgical procedure or injury.
The area was a contested frontier zone during the ninth century, with frequent clashes between Vikings and Saxons over territory before Viking conquest around 870 AD. The dismembered remains and potential display of body parts as trophies have also been considered by experts leading the excavation.
Further geophysical surveys are planned for the area, supported by Historic England. The significant discovery is set to be featured on BBC Two's 'Digging For Britain'.
