Archaeologists in England have uncovered an extraordinary artefact that is changing our understanding of daily life and burial practices in Late Roman Britain. A rare, finely crafted bone box has been found in a Roman-era grave at the Milestone Ground site in Broadway, Worcestershire.
The excavation, led by Worcestershire Archaeology ahead of planned development in the north Cotswolds, revealed evidence of continuous human activity spanning around 8,000 years, from the Mesolithic through Roman occupation into the Anglo-Saxon period. Among the many finds, this Roman bone box stands out as the most remarkable.
A One-of-a-Kind Late Roman Artefact
The box, carefully placed in the grave of a young woman, remains in exceptional condition. Measuring 2.7 inches (68mm) long, 1.3 inches (33mm) wide, and 1.2 inches (30mm) deep, it is small yet highly detailed. It has a sliding lid and is decorated with a ring-and-dot pattern commonly associated with Roman items such as gaming dice.
Specialist analysis shows the box was carved from roe deer bone, highlighting the advanced craftsmanship and material knowledge of the period. Radiocarbon dating confirms the burial dates to the late Roman period, aligning with the decorative style.
Its uniqueness makes this find particularly significant, as no comparable bone box has been recorded, marking it as a one-of-a-kind Roman discovery in Britain.
Carved bone box with sliding lid removed.
Insights into Roman Life and Burial Customs
Archaeologists suggest the box may have been used to hold ointment, cosmetics, or a similar substance. Its careful placement in the grave indicates it was a valued personal item, either treasured by the woman during her life or symbolically important to those who buried her.
Jamie Wilkins, who led the excavation, called the find “extraordinary,” highlighting both the craftsmanship and condition of the box as well as the story it tells about the local community. He noted that he had never seen anything like it before, underlining its rarity and significance.
The burial provides important insight into personal identity, status, and ritual in Late Roman Britain, particularly shedding light on women’s lives, which are often underrepresented in the archaeological record.
Thousands of Years of History at Milestone Ground
The Roman bone box is one of many notable discoveries at Milestone Ground. Archaeologists uncovered evidence of prehistoric activity, Roman settlement, and Saxon occupation, demonstrating Broadway’s long history as a site of human habitation.
Broadway’s position along a major route across the Cotswolds escarpment likely contributed to its lasting importance. Over thousands of years, various communities were drawn to the area for trade, travel, and settlement, leaving behind a rich archaeological record beneath the modern village.
The excavation was commissioned and funded by Wychavon District Council as part of the planning process. Specialist research is ongoing, and once complete, all finds and records will be deposited with the county museum according to standard archaeological practice.
Featured on BBC’s Digging for Britain
The Roman bone box will be featured in episode three of the new series of Digging for Britain, presented by Professor Alice Roberts, airing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 7 January 2026, with the Broadway site appearing on Wednesday 21 January.
This artefact not only showcases the skill of Roman craftsmen but also provides a rare personal connection to an individual who lived nearly 1,600 years ago, marking it as one of the most significant Roman archaeological discoveries in recent years.
