Life expectancy was short in Roman times, and disease was common. People were generally buried in their best clothes. Many could not afford a coffin, so they were just buried in the ground. Not all of the dead were buried; many were cremated.

Those that were buried in coffins, of stone, lead or wood, sometimes had some of their expensive possessions placed around them. The grave was thought to be the home of the spirit of the dead person, so it had to be comfortable and well-equipped.

 
Roman face pot on display in our Archaeology gallery

Pots with a human face on their side were often used to hold cremated bones. They were probably introduced to Britain by the Roman army. The faces may represent gods who were able to ward off evil and guard the spirit of the departed occupant.