Source/Archive record SYO1908 - 6 Driffield Terrace Vertebrae Analysis
Title | 6 Driffield Terrace Vertebrae Analysis |
---|---|
Author/Originator | YAT |
Date/Year | 2012 |
Abstract/Summary
A moderate quantity of animal bones was recovered from deposits of late 2nd to 4th century
date from excavations at 6 Driffield Terrace, York. The vertebrate material discussed in this
report came from grave fills, pits and layers associated with an extensive Roman cemetery
located to the south of the Roman colonia adjacent to one of the main Roman roads
approaching the city.
Most of the vertebrate assemblage was recovered from features assigned to Phases 4 and
5, including the part skeletons of several horses associated with the fills of multiple graves
from Phase 4. The assemblage was characterised by variable preservation in different
areas of the site and a high degree of fragmentation throughout, the latter mainly a result
of fresh breakage but also caused by reworking and redeposition of the material during
cemetery activity. Most of the non-equine remains appeared to represent primary butchery
waste, with some refuse from secondary butchering activities such as processing for marrow
and kitchen waste. Although the horse remains were originally thought to be of some ritual
significance, the random distribution of the fragments and the presence of other horse bones
scattered throughout the cemetery deposits suggests the disturbance and redeposition of
material by later human burials rather than the deliberate inclusion of grave goods/offerings.
Referenced Monuments (0)
Referenced Events (1)
- EYO718 6 Driffield Terrace (Ref: YORYM:2005.513)
Record last edited
Mar 16 2021 4:04PM