Pictures: DNA Reveals Distant Origins of Ancient 'Gladiators'
Published 2 Nov 2017, 12:18 GMT, Updated 16 Nov 2017, 10:48 GMT
Unusually, many of the bodies in the Driffield Terrace cemetery were beheaded. Some archaeologists think that suggests they were gladiators; others say they might have been criminals.
Photograph by York Archaeological TrustTrinity College Dublin geneticist Dan Bradley says the inner ear, or petrous, bone is a particularly good source of well-preserved DNA.
Photograph by York Archaeological TrustThe skeletons found in the cemetery were all men under the age of 45.
Photograph by York Archaeological TrustThe neck vertebrae of Roman-age skeletons found at Driffield Terrace by York Archaeological Trust show signs of decapitation.
Photograph by York Archaeological TrustThe Driffield Terrace cemetery first came to light during renovations to the backyard of a local house.
Photograph by York Archaeological TrustThe beheaded skeletons were buried with their skulls, which inadvertently helped archaeologists understand where they came from.
Photograph by York Archaeological Trust