A high status Roman woman has been found buried in a decorated coffin under a hospital.
The burial vehicle was made from lead and contained grave artifacts.
Known as the Lexden Lady, her remains were accompanied by jet hairpins and rare glass flasks
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Residue analysis identified frankincense and gypsum within the coffin and exotic resins in one of the glass vessels.
The woman, who was thought to be in her late 20s or early 30s, was found under the former Essex County Hospital, Colchester.
It’s believed she grew up in the area, reports Need To Know.
Studies suggest her burial was carefully staged.
Adam Wightman, of the Colchester Archaeological Trust, said: “This is one of the most fascinating Roman burials we have worked on.
“The decorated coffin is a beautiful object in its own right.
“But it is the combination of the coffin, the grave goods and the scientific evidence that makes this burial so compelling.”
Expert Robert Masefield, archaeology director at Tetra Tech Consulting, said it was the “most spectacular find” he had ever seen across decades of excavating Roman burial grounds.
He said: “This is certainly the most spectacular I have seen, in terms of signifying the trappings of wealth and symbolism in death, of a fully Romanised citizen.
“The young woman was clearly cherished by her family and by her community.”
The coffin and her remains are due to go on display at the city’s Roman Circus visitor centre.
The exhibition is due to run for a year.
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