In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a 3D scan of a burial site in the Yorkshire Museum has shed light on the emotional depth of Roman parents in Eboracum, present-day York, UK. Nearly 1,700 years ago, a grieving couple interred their two-month-old child, wrapping the tiny body in a luxurious purple wool cloak adorned with gold threads, before sealing it in a lead sarcophagus and covering it with liquid gypsum.
Historically, it was believed that Romans displayed indifference towards the deaths of infants, particularly given the high infant mortality rate of about 30%. Public mourning for children under a year old was frowned upon, leading to the assumption that parents were emotionally detached. However, a groundbreaking study led by Maureen Carroll from the University of York, part of the Seeing the Dead project, challenges this notion, revealing a more profound emotional reality.
A Lasting Embrace in Gypsum
Unlike the standard burial practices of cremation or simple inhumation prevalent across the Roman Empire, the elite in Eboracum employed a unique method involving liquid gypsum. This mineral paste, similar to Plaster of Paris, was poured over the deceased, creating a 3D imprint that preserved the contours of their bodies. The hardened casings remained long after the bodies had decomposed, capturing intricate details like the folds of clothing and the shape of limbs.
Carroll's research has examined 70 gypsum burials, revealing that at least seven belonged to children, including three infants. A particularly poignant find was a stone coffin from the Clementhorpe area of York, showcasing the clear impressions of two adults and a four-month-old infant nestled between them. This shared burial indicates a deliberate choice to maintain their connection beyond death, highlighting the family's deep bond.
The findings contradict the long-held belief that high mortality rates rendered Roman parents emotionally numb. Carroll emphasizes that, while societal expectations dictated public restraint, families found ways to express their grief privately, tending to their loved ones' graves with care and affection.
Treasures for a Life Cut Short
In another significant discovery from Heslington, researchers uncovered the gypsum casing of a girl aged seven to nine, whose fragile remains indicated a prolonged illness. Her family honored her memory with an array of precious items, including jet bangles, gold earrings, and even a pet chicken intended to accompany her in the afterlife.
This practice of including valuable possessions in burials extends beyond York, with similar findings near Rome showcasing children buried with cosmetic items and jewelry. Such discoveries suggest that these young lives were cherished and valued, challenging the outdated belief that Romans were indifferent to the loss of their infants.
As Carroll aptly puts it, the notion that Roman families did not grieve their children's deaths is "utter nonsense." These findings illuminate the profound emotional connections that existed, providing a deeper understanding of family dynamics in ancient Rome.