First skeletal evidence of gladiator bitten by lion in combat

A groundbreaking study involving our Department of Archaeology has uncovered the first physical evidence of human-animal gladiatorial combat in the Roman period.

The study conducted by an international team of archaeologists and osteologists centres on a skeleton discovered in a Roman-period cemetery outside York, UK. The site is believed to contain the remains of gladiators.

Compelling skeletal evidence

This new research, led by Maynooth University, presents compelling skeletal evidence of a human victim attacked by a large carnivorous animal, likely within a combat or entertainment setting in the Roman world.

Images of gladiators being bitten by lions have appeared in ancient mosaics and pottery for hundreds of years.

However, this is the first convincing skeletal evidence from the Roman Empire of bite marks produced by the teeth of a large cat, such as a lion.

New forensic methods

As part of the study, our experts in forensic anthropology and Roman bioarchaeology examined the bite mark, providing biological context.

They also compared the injuries on the skeleton, and at the site more broadly, to injuries at other Roman sites.

This new analysis draws upon a new study using forensic experiments of bite marks by large cats in collaboration with London Zoo and applies it using 3D scanning to provide greater detail.

A new dimension of Roman Britain

The study provides a vital new dimension to our knowledge of Roman Britain, reinforcing the empire’s entertainment traditions.

These findings offer new avenues for research into the presence of exotic animals in Roman-period Britain and the lives of those involved in gladiatorial combat.

Image caption: Marble relief showing a fight between a beast fighter and a lion, Ephesus,1st-2nd century AD. ©The Trustees of the British Museum.

The research, published in the journal of science and medical research PLOS One , is a collaboration between Durham and other leading institutions including Maynooth University, Cranfield University, the University of York, King’s College London, York Archaeological Trust (now known as York Archaeology), and York Osteoarchaeology Ltd. Discover more about the work of Professor Rebecca L. Gowland and Dr Anwen Caffell from our Department of Archaeology, who were involved in the study.


• Our Department of Archaeology is ranked sixth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

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