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world4h ago
Babies weren't supposed to be mourned in the Roman Empire. These rare liquid-gypsum burials prove otherwise.
- Latest findings show liquid gypsum burials included infants as young as 1–2 months, challenging prior Roman-era norms.
- Researchers say private grief may have persisted despite public restrictions on mourning for infants.
- The study notes one infant was wrapped in a dyed purple cloak and placed in a lead sarcophagus before gypsum was poured over.
- Chemists plan further testing to detect aromatic substances and determine dye origins in the burial garments.
- Several gypsum burials included other valuables, suggesting high-status status or family ties in life and death.
- York investigators emphasize the findings dispute the idea that Romans did not value young children in burial rites.
- Live Science highlights that the Seeing the Dead project collaborates with York museums on these discoveries.
- About 70+ gypsum burials have been studied, with several infants identified among the findings.
- The project aims to determine whether the purple dye came from murex or other sources for a fuller picture of status and trade.
- The York findings reveal elite burial practices extended to children, not just adults, in Roman Britain.
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