London’s history lies buried deep beneath its streets, and recent excavations along the River Thames have uncovered a horrifying archaeological find. Dozens of human bones have been unearthed, some dating back thousands of years, shedding light on the city’s dark and mysterious past.
Mysterious remains along the Thames
Archaeologists and researchers from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) have unearthed numerous skeletal remains along the banks of the Thames, revealing a history of ritual burials, sacrifices and even evidence of violent death. Many of the bones date back to the Roman and medieval periods, with some estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
Historical context: Who were these people?
The remains found date from a variety of historical periods, including:
Iron Age Tribes (800 BC–43 AD): Evidence suggests that some of the skeletons may be ancient Britons, perhaps warriors or sacrificial victims.
Roman London (Londinium) (43 AD–410 AD): Some of the bones show traces of Roman execution methods and battle wounds.
Medieval period (5th–15th centuries): Many of the skeletons are believed to be victims of the Black Death (1347–1351) or public executions.
Notable burial sites and institutions
Several significant burials in London have been associated with these finds:
Crossbones Cemetery – known as the resting place of beggars, criminals and medieval sex workers.
St. Bride’s Church is a site with layers of burials from Roman times.
Tower of London – executions of nobles and criminals took place here, some bodies were dumped along the Thames.
Analysis and theories of archaeologists
Experts believe that some of the remains found along the Thames were deliberately placed in the river as part of ancient burial rituals. Others suggest that the banks of the river were a natural cemetery where bodies were dumped after plagues or battles. DNA analysis and carbon dating are helping scientists trace the origins and possible causes of death of these people.
The price of uncovering the past
Excavations and forensic examinations are expensive, with some projects receiving funding in the range of $500,000 to $1 million. However, these discoveries provide invaluable insight into London’s past and the history of humanity as a whole.
What’s next for these discoveries?
As research continues, archaeologists hope to uncover more of the secrets of these ancient burial grounds. Some remains are now housed in museums, while others are undergoing further forensic testing to determine their true origins and history.
London’s past is an unrivaled reminder of its darkest moments. Every bone and artifact tells a story of life, death, and secrets waiting to be uncovered by those who dare to explore the mysteries beneath the city.
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