Tod am Kreuz - Der Mann Nummer 4926 | Doku HD | ARTE

ARTEde31 minutes read

Archaeologists found an ancient cemetery in East England with a man who was crucified, a rare discovery similar to a case in Israel in the 60s. The man, known as Skeleton 4926, likely lived in Roman Britain around 250 AD, revealing insights into Roman life and the harsh punishment of crucifixion.

Insights

  • The discovery of a crucified man in East England, a rare find with only one other known case, sheds light on the brutal Roman punishment mainly targeting lower-class individuals, slaves, and enemies of the state.
  • Through DNA and isotopic analysis, it is revealed that the crucified man, likely a farm worker living in Roman Britain, had a meat-rich diet with a marine component, engaged in manufacturing industries like bone marrow extraction, and belonged to a close-knit community that cared for the executed, showcasing the harsh realities of Roman society and the interconnectedness of the population.

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Recent questions

  • What was the significance of the man with a nail in his heel?

    The man's crucifixion was a rare find, shedding light on Roman punishment methods.

  • What did DNA analysis reveal about the individuals from the site?

    DNA analysis suggested that the individuals were likely native to Roman-era Britain.

  • What insights did isotopic analysis aim to uncover about 4926's life?

    Isotopic analysis aimed to reveal details about 4926's diet and lifestyle.

  • What did the virtual autopsy of 4926 reveal about his profession?

    The virtual autopsy suggested a specific trade or profession based on bone densities.

  • How did the discovery of 4926 align with historical accounts of Roman crucifixion?

    The discovery of 4926's crucifixion matched historical records of Roman punishment methods.

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Summary

00:00

Ancient Crucified Man Unearthed in England

  • In East England, archaeologists unearth an ancient cemetery, discovering a man with a nail in his heel, indicating he was crucified.
  • The man's crucifixion is a rare find, with only one other known case from Israel in the 60s.
  • Dr. Corin Dewick, an expert in osteoarchaeology, confirms the significance of the discovery and begins detailed analysis.
  • Crucifixion, a Roman form of punishment, was brutal and mainly targeted lower-class men, slaves, and enemies of the state.
  • Skeleton 4926, a complete find, belonged to a man aged between 35 and 40, living around 250 AD in Roman Britain.
  • Roman Britain, a province of the Roman Empire, saw a mix of locals and Romans living together, with evidence of their rule still present.
  • 4926 likely lived a physically strenuous life, possibly as a farm worker, based on signs of physical labor and common ailments of the time.
  • DNA analysis by Christiana Schib reveals that the individuals from the site were likely native to Roman-era Britain.
  • Further investigations, including isotopic analysis by Jane Evans, aim to uncover more about 4926's life and diet.
  • The discovery of 4926 opens up a series of examinations, including CT scans and virtual autopsies, to understand his story and the circumstances of his cruel death.

22:06

Reconstructing King Richard's Life Through Isotopes

  • Dead people like King Richard the Dr. can be reconstructed using a single tooth to analyze carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, lead, strontium, and oxygen, providing details about diet, residence, and environmental exposure.
  • Strontium's isotopic composition is linked to soil, while oxygen isotopes indicate drinking water sources, and sulfur analysis is recent, revealing insights into wetlands and swamps.
  • Nitrogen levels indicate diet position in the food chain, with meat-rich diets showing higher nitrogen levels than vegan diets.
  • Isotopes from number 4926's teeth suggest a meat-rich diet, with carbon isotopes indicating a marine component typical of Romans.
  • The virtual autopsy of 4926 reveals different bone densities in his arms, suggesting a specific trade or profession.
  • 4926's hometown near Fen Stanton was likely a Roman settlement with a wealthy lord overseeing it, showcasing Roman influence and luxury.
  • 4926 was likely involved in the manufacturing industry, extracting bone marrow for soap and candle production, indicating a networked settlement.
  • 4926's skeleton shows signs of crucifixion, with a nail through his heel indicating a deliberate, torturous execution method.
  • Crucifixion was a common punishment for rebels and slaves in Roman times, with the act serving as a public display of fear and control.
  • The discovery of 4926's crucifixion aligns with historical accounts of Roman crucifixion methods, suggesting he may have been a rebel or slave facing a brutal punishment.

42:36

Roman Executions: Harsh Punishments and Social Connections

  • In Roman courts, a distinction was made between the honestiores and humiliores, leading to harsh interrogations and physically painful punishments, including crucifixion for a broader section of the population.
  • Executions increased over time in the Roman Empire, with the court becoming more autocratic and sentences harsher, possibly due to declining state power.
  • DNA analysis of skeletons from Fenenten revealed close genetic relationships among the executed, indicating a strong social connection within the community that cared for them even in death.
  • Forensic reconstruction of victim number 4926, a crucifixion victim, involved piecing together the skull, adding details like age, hair, eye color, and facial features, ultimately humanizing the victim and allowing for a respectful portrayal almost 2000 years later.
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