(CNN) Archaeologists have discovered 17 decapitated bodies at three Roman cemeteries in Cambridgeshire, eastern England -- an "exceptionally high' number which experts think were the result of judicial executions. The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) found 52 burials when excavating Knobb's Farm in Somersham, of which 13 were buried face down. The heads of many of the decapitated bodies were placed at their feet and some were kneeling when they died, according to the research paper published online by Cambridge University Press in the Britannia journal earlier this month. The Roman Empire ruled parts of Great Britain for about 400 years until 410 A.D. and some towns still have medieval walls built partially from Roman fortifications. The heads of many of the decapitated bodies were placed at their feet and some were kneeling when they died.

Source: CNN May 31, 2021 16:18 UTC