What was discovered in the Cambridge burial pit?

A Viking-age burial pit containing the remains of at least 10 individuals from the ninth century was discovered.

What evidence suggests the Cambridge site was an execution ground?

Some skeletons were found restrained, and skulls were discovered without bodies, leading experts to suggest it may have been an execution site.

What was unusual about one of the bodies found in the Cambridge pit?

One individual, a 'giant' at 6ft 5in, was found with a 3cm hole in his skull, possibly from an ancient surgical procedure.

Home / Science / Gruesome Viking Grave Reveals Execution Site

Gruesome Viking Grave Reveals Execution Site

4 Feb

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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.

Gruesome Viking Grave Reveals Execution Site

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.