Archaeologists refute reports of ‘female gladiator’

Archaeologists excavating fields near Hereford have poured cold water on reports that the remains of a female gladiator had been unearthed.

The excavations in fields south of Credenhill, seven miles west of Hereford, are taking place prior to the construction of a flood alleviation scheme. The area contains the well-preserved remains of Roman buildings and rubbish pits situated to either side of a major Roman road.

Among the items uncovered were the remains of a coffin and a female body - these are routine finds in such a location. Archaeologists are clear that there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that this could be the body of a female gladiator as presented by media online.

"There were no weapons buried in the grave with her nor are there any other objects which might be indicative of this having been a gladiator", said an archaeologist responsible for the site. "There is no evidence for an arena or amphitheatre in the area, and there is no evidence to support the idea that she was a female gladiator".