i heard this on npr yesterday

it was fascinating

there's also audio at the npr link below:

A Graveyard For Roman Gladiators -- In England?

Ancient skeletons excavated under the city of York in northern England have archaeologists wondering whether they've discovered a well-preserved cemetery full of fallen Roman gladiators. The first of the skeletons was discovered in 2003, and since then, more than 80 have been identified.

The remains date between the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the period during which the Romans occupied northern England. The skeletons had been decapitated — and that was a key reason researchers thought they had been gladiators, says John Walker, chief executive of the York Archaeological Trust, which conducted the research.

Two other clues that they could be gladiators: One arm is generally bigger than the other, and the bones overall are heftier than usual...........

pic:

Press Association via AP Images

The skeletons at this site in York, England, are decapitated -- a key clue to archaeologists that this might be a cemetery for Roman gladiators.