The Seeing the Dead project has been featured in an extended article in Current Archaeology, Issue 436 (July 2026).
The Seeing the Dead project has seen exceptional press coverage following our recent announcement of the discovery of Tyrian purple dye and gold thread fragments.
The University of York and York Museums Trust hosted an international workshop Seeing the Dead. New Insights into Roman Gypsum Burials in Yorkshire in April 2026.
The project investigates the intriguing funerary custom in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE in and around York of pouring liquid gypsum over coffined bodies wrapped in textiles before they were buried.
The application of scientific research techniques and 3D imaging will provide insight into why and for whom this was done and to 'see' the dead for the first time in almost 2000 years.
