First Archaeological Evidence of Gladiator-Lion Combat Unearthed in York
A skeleton from a Roman cemetery in York reveals the first physical evidence of gladiators fighting lions, reshaping our understanding of Roman entertainment.

Roman Gladiator Remains Show First Proof of Human-Animal Combat

Scientific American
Summary
The discovery of a skeleton with lion bite marks in York provides the first physical evidence of gladiatorial combat with animals, challenging previously held beliefs that such events were limited to Rome. Through forensic examination, experts confirm the existence of gladiators, known as bestiarii, who fought beasts for public entertainment. This groundbreaking find also raises questions about the organization and spectacle of such events outside of Rome, indicating that the brutal culture of the gladiators was widespread across the Roman Empire and integrated into local lifestyles.