Watch The Mystery of the Roman Skulls

The Mystery of the Roman Skulls is a captivating docuseries that explores the unearthing of twenty-two Roman skulls in the city of York, England, in the late 1950s. The show sets out to unravel the truth behind these skull's origins, their possible connection with a lost legion of Roman soldiers, and their journey over centuries, all while following the investigation conducted by archaeologists and forensics experts.

The show is presented in a well-structured and narrative format, with each episode diving deeper into the mystery surrounding these skulls, providing clues, forming hypotheses, and touching on various historical and archaeological research moments. The investigation is led by a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable experts, including Caroline Sainsbury, an archaeologist and historian, Mark White, a forensic specialist, and Jake Weekes, a Roman historian.

The series starts with the discovery of the skulls in 1953 in a basement during an excavation conducted by William Varley. The skulls were found in a pit with a single gold coin from Emperor Nero's reign that was valued at the time to be worth up to £2000. This marked the first of a string of intriguing discoveries that led to the excavation site becoming one of the most significant archaeological finds in the UK.

The series then shifts to the investigation carried out by contemporary forensics and archaeology experts into the skulls' age, gender, and possible cause of death. The experts explain that some skulls still have the teeth, which allow for the determination of their age and even some indications of a person's nutritional status. The series masters the art of involving the audience in the investigation as they watch the experts use different techniques, such as the use of dental records, DNA, and carbon-dating to reconstruct the mysteries behind these skulls.

As the series progresses, deeper historical events and archaeological finds that took place in Roman Britain are explored, providing insightful context to the skulls' origins. The show creates a vivid picture of Roman Britain, its history, and its decline, with experts exploring different hypotheses about how the skulls got to York and who they might belong to. The series also raises the possibility that the skulls could be related to the famed Roman Ninth Legion, which disappeared circa AD 120, and whose fate has remained a mystery for centuries.

With a mix of historical dramatizations, interviews, and on-site excavations, The Mystery of the Roman Skulls is a visual delight that provides a comprehensive overview of the skulls' investigation. The show also touches on the cultural significance of Roman Britain, with experts discussing topics such as Roman religion, art, and culture, as well as their influence on modern-day society.

Overall, The Mystery of the Roman Skulls is a well-researched, thought-provoking, and thrilling show that combines history, forensics, and archaeology in creating an unforgettable narrative. The investigation leaves no stone unturned, and the experts' dedication is evident throughout each episode. The show offers great value to anyone interested in history, archaeology, and forensics, as well as those who enjoy a good old-fashioned detective story. One thing is sure; after watching this series, the mystery of the Roman skulls will remain etched in one's memory for a long time to come.