Buried deep under the ground for centuries, a long-forgotten Roman skeleton has been unearthed in Lincolnshire.

The Roman skeleton unearthed in Sleaford, Lincolnshire; Source: Lincolnshire Echo

The skeleton, whose age and gender remain a mystery, was uncovered during a dig at The Hoplands in Sleaford.

Little is known about the ancient figure other than the fact it was buried face down and was discovered with a plethora of other Roman items.

Wells, walls and a Roman Road were all uncovered in the vicinity of the bones, creating the picture of a thriving Roman community.

The figure was found during a dig by Network Archaeology for North Kesteven District Council as part of the process of preparing the site for development.

Project manager for Network Archaeology Mike Wood said: “The Roman road runs parallel with the Boston Road and we think there are at least six buildings in the area.

“The body was buried face down, which could be significant depending on who you talk to but it is certainly a less common position than bodies placed on their backs or crouched.

“This was probably a local Lincolnshire person who, in terms of height, would not look out of place on today’s streets.”

Sleaford’s rich Roman past means most development sites require some level of excavation to ensure no ancient treasures are lost under concrete.

Source: Lincolnshire Echo