Romans Hijack 4,000-Year-Old Tomb

A 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial mound in Suffolk, England, was transformed into the center of a Roman religious complex, according to recent archaeological findings. The site, which features a massive 45-meter-diameter barrow, was excavated in 2016, revealing a rich history of human activity spanning from the Neolithic period to the Middle Ages.

The barrow, constructed between 2200 and 1600 B.C., was initially used as a burial site, but the Romans later built a timber shrine next to it. The shrine's footprint was identified through postholes, Roman roof tiles, and brightly painted plaster found at the site. While the presence of a decorated building alone does not necessarily indicate a religious purpose, the lack of domestic activity within the surrounding enclosure suggests that the building may have held significant importance.

Ritual offerings, including pig skulls and feet, a dog skeleton, a near-complete cockerel, and a near-complete cow, were discovered near the timber structure. These findings provide further evidence of the site's religious significance. A massive boundary ditch, which enclosed both the prehistoric barrow and the new shrine, was also uncovered, highlighting the complexity of the Roman religious complex.

## What it reveals The discovery of this Roman religious complex in Suffolk, England, sheds light on the adaptability and resourcefulness of the Romans. By repurposing an existing Bronze Age burial mound, they created a unique and significant religious site. The presence of ritual offerings and a boundary ditch underscores the importance of this site in the Roman religious landscape.

The excavation of the site has provided valuable insights into the history of human activity in the region, with evidence of occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. The transformation of the Bronze Age burial mound into a Roman shrine demonstrates the dynamic and evolving nature of religious practices in the area.

## Why it matters The discovery of this Roman religious complex is significant not only because of its unique history but also due to its potential to shed light on the broader context of Roman religious practices in England. The fact that the Romans chose to build a shrine next to an existing Bronze Age burial mound highlights the complexities of their relationship with the local landscape and the indigenous population. As researchers continue to study the site, they may uncover more secrets about the lives and beliefs of the people who lived in the region over 4,000 years ago.