Mystery of the Headless Romans
Execution
Roman citizens could be executed by beheading (execution of non-citizens was generally more harsh and degrading, such as crucifixion or being thrown to the wild beasts in the arena). The authorities sometimes prevented such bodies being given a decent burial, perhaps as part of damning the memory of the victims, or in order to prevent them reaching the afterlife. However, some people (such as Early Christian martyrs) appear to have been buried after their execution.
Leg shackles - surely this indicates slave or criminal status?
A few of the ‘decapitated’ burials show no signs of cuts on the vertebrae. It is possible that this phenomenon was the result of hanging, followed by burial some days afterwards when the head was liable to become detached from the body.
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