Archaeologists have discovered the first direct evidence of a gladiator mauled by a lion. The skeleton, discovered two decades ago in a Roman settlement in Britain, offers new insight into the brutal spectacles that once captivated audiences.

Gladiator combat is a well-documented aspect of ancient Roman society, but the physical remains of fighters have remained elusive. Due to this lack of bodily evidence, experts have instead long relied on historical accounts,

Researchers compared puncture marks on an 1,800-year-old skeleton in the UK to various animal bites, and concluded that the individual was likely bitten by a lion.