Startling new forensic research
has revealed that multicultural Britain is nothing new after discovering
black Africans were living in high society in Roman York.
A study of various remains and artefacts from the 4th century at the Yorkshire Museum shows North Africans were living there thousands of years ago.
The most exciting results came from analysis of the so-called 'Ivory Bangle Lady' whose remains were found in 1901 on the city's Sycamore Terrace.
Her skull was found buried with a range of jewellery including jet and elephant ivory bracelets, earrings, pendants and a glass mirror indicating she was wealthy and was of high social status.
A study of various remains and artefacts from the 4th century at the Yorkshire Museum shows North Africans were living there thousands of years ago.
The most exciting results came from analysis of the so-called 'Ivory Bangle Lady' whose remains were found in 1901 on the city's Sycamore Terrace.
Her skull was found buried with a range of jewellery including jet and elephant ivory bracelets, earrings, pendants and a glass mirror indicating she was wealthy and was of high social status.
The new research, published
in the March issue of the journal Antiquity, demonstrates that Roman York
of the period had individuals of North African descent moving in the
highest social circles
Precious find: The two
ivory bangles that were discovered with the woman's remains
The research used modern forensic
ancestry assessment to show it was likely she was of North African descent
and may have migrated to York from somewhere warmer.
An exquisite pristine blue glass jar that was
uncovered
The fascinating study was carried
out by the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology, and senior
lecturer Dr Hella Eckhardt said: 'Up until now we have had to rely
on evidence of such foreigners in Roman Britain from
inscriptions.
'However, by analysing the facial
features of the Ivory Bangle Lady and measuring her skull, analysing
the chemical signature of the food and drink she consumed, and analysing
evidence from the burial site we are now able to establish a clear profile
of her ancestry and social status.
'We're looking at a population
mix which is much closer to contemporary Britain than previous historians
had suspected.
'In the case of York, the Roman
population may have had more diverse origins than the city has
now.
'This skull is particularly
interesting, because the stone sarcophagus she was buried in, and the
richness of the grave goods, means she was a very wealthy woman,
absolutely from the top end of York society.
'Her case contradicts assumptions
that may derive from more recent historical experience, namely that
immigrants are low status and male, and that African individuals are
likely to have been slaves.
'Instead, it is clear that both
women and children moved across the Empire, often associated with the
military.'
The research is published in the
March edition of the journal Antiquity.
The 'Ivory Bangle Lady' and he
possessions will be the centrepiece of a new exhibition at the Museum in
August entitled 'Roman York: Meet the People Of The
Empire'.
York, known as Eboracum during
Roman Times, was a legendary fortress and civilian settlement which
was visited by a string of emperors.
The experts believe these factors
provided reasons for potential immigration to the area and for the
foundation of a multi-cultural community.
