A visual reconstruction by forensic artist Hew Morrison reveals the face of a Roman gladiator, known only as 6DT19, who likely met a brutal end nearly 2,000 years ago from a large cat attack, possibly a lion. His remains were discovered among 83 decapitated skeletons in York, and he is unique for showing evidence of animal combat injuries, a first of its kind. The burial site, dating back to 1st-4th century AD, is believed to be the world’s only well-preserved Roman gladiator cemetery, indicating that such combats occurred beyond the core Roman territories.
