This page cannot be viewed in frames

Go to page

If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.

Skeletons from ancient China found in London

This post is also available in: Polish (polski)

Skeletons from ancient China found in London
Skeletons from ancient China found in London | Photo: Museum of London

Two skeletons have been discovered in London’s Lant Street Cemetery in Southwark, possibly of Chinese origin. Interestingly, scientists date them to the period of the 2nd-4th century CE, which means that the Chinese still appeared in Roman Britain.

Using the latest techniques, a team of archaeologists and scientists examined enamel samples from over 20 fragments. This is an absolutely phenomenal discovery as it is the first time a person of Asian descent has been identified in Roman Britain.

One of the skeletons found.
Museum of London

This discovery torpedoed the popular belief that Roman Britain and Londinium had a rather homogeneous society. In addition, Chinese remains suggest that the Roman and Chinese Empires had much more extensive relationships than we previously thought.

It is possible that trade between countries took place not only through the famous Silk Road. It is also possible that the Chinese were buyers willing to create new trade ties.

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content that I collect on the website and that I share on social media channels I will be grateful for the support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections, improvements on the site and pay the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Find out more!

Check your curiosity and learn something new about the ancient world of the Romans. By clicking on the link below, you will be redirected to a random entry.

Random curiosity

Random curiosity

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with newest articles on website and discoveries from the world of ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!

Subscribe to newsletter

Spelling error report

The following text will be sent to our editors: