Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
S6 Ep4

Headless Romans

Premiere: 5/9/2007 | 00:00:30 | NR

In the back garden of a house in York, England, more than 45 decapitated, Roman-era skeletons are unearthed. Are these men savagely murdered pagan prisoners? Are they soldiers who were killed in battle or executed for crimes against Rome? Modern forensics, archeological sleuthing, and historical records point to a surprising answer.

About the Episode

CASE FILE: Headless Romans
THE SCENE: York, England

In the back garden of a house in York, England, more than 45 decapitated, Roman-era skeletons are unearthed. This astonishing discovery leads to an unprecedented scientific investigation to identify the remains. Are these men Pagan prisoners, savagely murdered and unceremoniously buried? Are they soldiers who were killed in battle or executed
for crimes against Rome? Modern forensics, archeological sleuthing and historical records point to a surprising answer and an infamous perpetrator: the Roman emperor Caracalla. On Headless Romans, his victims speak from the grave to tell a harrowing tale of murderous sibling rivalry, bloody revenge and a deadly rampage.

SHARE

Features

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Produced and Directed by
IAN POTTS

Narrated by
LIEV SCHREIBER

Executive Producer for BBC
JOHN FARREN

Executive in Charge
WILLIAM R. GRANT

Executive Producer
JARED LILPWORTH

A co-production of Thirteen/WNET New York, BBC, ProSieben and Open University.

© 2007 Educational Broadcasting Corporation and BBC. All Rights Reserved.

© 2025 WNET. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.