The man’s remains show clear bite marks that were forensically compared to lion bites from modern zoo specimens. The wound was unhealed, suggesting it was sustained shortly before death.

The first skeletal evidence of a gladiator show or execution involving an exotic animal comes from a Roman British man with bite marks from a lion.

The lions’ teeth had been damaged during their lifetimes. Study coauthor Thomas Gnoske found thousands of hairs embedded in the exposed cavities of the broken teeth. Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert!

While images of gladiators being bitten by lions have appeared in ancient mosaics and pottery, this is the only convincing ...