{
  "id": 16625853,
  "title": "Solving an ancient cold case: Roman was brutally murdered",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/solving-an-ancient-cold-case-roman-was-brutally-murdered",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-26T16:30:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-ancient-cold-case-roman-brutally.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1977, amateur archaeologists uncovered the nearly complete skeleton of a Roman soldier near the site of the ancient Roman fort of Velsen. The individual, who stood at an impressive 1.90 meters (6 feet, 3 inches) tall, was found with a military belt, dagger, ring, brooch, and soldier's sandal buried in a well. This discovery, along with others, led archaeologists Carol van Driel-Murray and Mark Driessen to reopen the ancient cold case of a brutal murder. Using a combination of archaeological, historical, and forensic methods, they determined the cause of death was likely multiple stab wounds inflicted by a Roman military dagger. Tooth enamel analysis revealed the man likely spent his childhood in southern Europe, while a worn Roman dagger and a belt composed of different pieces suggest he was probably a regular soldier. The researchers explored several scenarios for his murder, including retaliation by fellow soldiers for misconduct or a Frisian attack seeking retribution for taxes as described by Roman historian Tacitus. However, the true identity of the perpetrator and motive remains unclear, leaving room for further research and speculation.",
  "summary": "Archaeologists Carol van Driel-Murray and Mark Driessen are using a largely intact skeleton from the late Iron Age and early Roman era to study ancient violence. According to Phys.org, the 2,000-year-old remains provide valuable research because few skeletons from this period have been preserved. The findings are detailed in their book, Victims of Violence from the Early Roman Fort Velsen.\n\nSeparately, the Lycurgus Cup, a 1,600-year-old Roman glass masterpiece held in the British Museum, has displayed optical properties that have baffled experts for centuries. Guardian Science reports that the cup changes color from jade green under normal lighting to ruby red when lit from behind, an achievement in optical engineering.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Guardian Science",
        "title": "‘It’s magic’: scientists rediscover how to make ancient Roman colour-changing glass",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/its-magic-scientists-rediscover-how-to-make-ancient-roman-colour",
        "published": "2026-10-25T06:00:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}