Archaeologists have discovered up to 40 decapitated skeletons while excavating a former Roman town along the new HS2 train line.
The corpses were among 425 burials in a large 2,000-year-old cemetery in Fleet Marston, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Around 10 per cent of the burials were decapitated - with the head placed between the legs or next to the feet.
Experts believe the decapitated skeletons could potentially be criminal or outcasts, though sometimes decapitation was performed as a burial rite during the late Roman period.
The site included some cremated remains and was discovered by archaeologists over the last year while working on the HS2 line.
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They also found 1,200 coins, spoons, gambling dice and brooches.
The settlement, which is situated alongside a Roman road, is believed to have been used for commercial and industrial activity.
It is believed to have been a key staging post for travellers and soldiers passing through Fleet Marston on their way to and from the garrison at Roman Alchester, near Bicester
Richard Brown, senior project manager for archaeology firm COPA, said: "The excavation is significant in both enabling a clear characterisation of this Roman town but also a study of many of its inhabitants.
"Along with several new Roman settlement sites discovered during the HS2 works it enhances and populates the map of Roman Buckinghamshire"
HS2 has examined over 100 archaeological sites between London and Birmingham since 2018.
Helen Wass, head of heritage at HS2 said: "The HS2 archaeology programme has enabled us to learn more about our rich history in Britain.
"The large Roman cemetery at Fleet Marston will enable us to gain a detailed insight into the residents of Fleet Marston and the wider Roman Britain landscape."
"All human remains uncovered will be treated with dignity, care and respect and our discoveries will be shared with the community.
"HS2’s archaeology programme seeks to engage with all communities both local and nationally to share the information and knowledge gained as well as leaving a lasting archival and skills legacy."
Experts will carry out a post-excavation analysis on the skeletons to find out their origins, diet, family links, lifestyles and beliefs.
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