Roman Gladiator Human Skull BC-198
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Aged somewhere between 72AD and 472 AD, this skull was unearthed near the Coliseum in Rome, Italy, which was built during the reign of Emperor Vespasiano. This skull is from a formal grave yard for known coliseum gladiators. By the coalition of the skull bones, experts infer the skull is from a large male in his 30's. This gladiator was a huge man for his time and due to his extraordinary size, he was most likely a popular attraction. This particular piece suggests to some that during this Roman period, men were selected by size, if not intentionally bred for fighting. This specimen shows unusual brachycephalic structure with a very high, near vertical forehead (frontal) and exaggerated occiputs. The exceedingly dense skull gives it weight and strength. Noteworthy on the skull is a large, healed "knot" of bone showing trauma. On the lower jaw is a green stain, which appears to be a wash of copper patina from metal that was in proximity to the skull after burial, perhaps a chinstrap. The original skull is in a private collection obtained from a turn-of-the-century phrenology institution collection in New York.

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