Roman Mansio Skeleton

In the Roman Empire, a mansio (from the Latin word mansus the perfect passive participle of manere "to remain" or "to stay") was an official stopping place on a Roman road, or via, maintained by the central government for the use of officials and those on official business whilst travelling. There is what is believed to be a mansio on St Mary's Hill in Chester. It existed from the late 1st century into the 4th century, and was rebuilt several times during its life. It was originally timber, then was rebuilt in stone. During the 3rd century it was burnt down, and rebuilt yet again. Some of the debris and rubble were dumped into one of the two wells on the site, the other well remaining in use until the mansio was finally demolished in the 4th century. The skeleton shown below was found at the bottom of the well filled with 3rd century debris, and is on display, with other artefacts found at the same time, in the Grosvenor Museum.

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