Archaeologists have discovered a rare Roman tombstone in Cirencester, U.K.
Skeletal remains were found near the marked tombstone, and experts believe the remains belong to the person named on the inscription, a rarity in archaeology, according to the BBC.
Archaeologists unearthed the grave of a 27-year-old woman named Bodica along with the bodies of three children in what they call a "family burial plot" in Cirencester in Gloucestershire.
Roman specialist Dr. Richard Reece was at the archaeological site to translate the inscription, Gloucester News Centre reported. Reece said the inscription translates to "In memory of Bodica. Wife. Lived 27 years."
Archaeologists from Cotswold Archaeology have been working for the past two months on the Roman cemetery site on Tetbury Road. The developing company Citygrove will redevelop the site into new offices for St. James' Place Wealth Management. Archaeologists are working to preserve and record the Roman burials and other finds before construction takes place.
Archaeologist Neil Holbrook from Cotswold Archaeology said the remains along with the skull are being excavated from beneath the headstone, BBC reported. He believes the name Bodica is from Celtic origin.
"Perhaps Bodica is a local Gloucestershire girl who's married an incoming Roman or Gaul from France and has adopted this very Roman way of death," Holbrook said.
Archaeologists have found approximately 300 to 400 Roman tombstones in the U.K., and this tombstone marks the tenth found in Cirencester. A total of 55 Roman graves have been uncovered during the St. James Place excavation.
