20/10/2010

An intriguing new exhibition providing a glimpse into Roman funeral rituals is now on display at DIG in York, giving visitors a magnified look at recent archaeological findings at the Hungate excavation.

Archaeologists from York Archaeological Trust, who are excavating the Hungate site, have unearthed a small Roman cemetery which has so far revealed 20 burials and six cremations. Excitingly, in two graves, which contained the remains of Roman citizens was an assembly of rich grave goods.

Amongst the grave goods on display in the "Grave Matters" exhibition at DIG between 18 October and February 2011 are intricate jet and shale jewellery, glass necklace beads, a glass perfume bottle and pottery vessels from Britain and beyond.

Visitors will see the finds up close and can discover the background to how the items arrived at Hungate and the methods used by the Trust to excavate and then conserve them.

York Archaeological Trust is carrying out the excavations at Hungate, York, over a five-year period on behalf of Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd, a joint venture between Crosby Lend Lease, Evans Property Group and Land Securities, who are creating a new Hungate neighbourhood.

The findings will be on show in the ESI DIG exhibition area within DIG, York Archaeological Trust's hands on excavation attraction at St Saviourgate, York.

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RARE ROMAN BURIAL FINDS DISPLAYED FOR THE FIRST TIME

ESI DIG is a temporary exhibition which will change four times a year to show the latest finds and new archaeological developments. "Grave Matters" will replace the existing "Gladiators: A Cemetery of Secrets" exhibition which displayed one of the much talked about headless Roman skeletons as show on a Channel Four documentary earlier this year.

To find out more about DIG and the new "Grave Matters" exhibition visit www.digyork.com or call 01904 615505.

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