Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old skull at an ancient fort in northern Spain, which was likely used as a trophy by Roman soldiers during their conquest of the region in the first century B.C.E. The skull is believed to be that of a male Cantabrian warrior who lived around the time of the Cantabrian Wars.
Genetic analysis has confirmed that the skull belonged to an indigenous Spanish man from the northern region, with ancestry dating back to the early Bronze Age and Iron Age populations. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery.
According to archaeologist Santiago DomÃnguez-Solera, the Roman general Augustus used the display of severed heads as an intimidation tactic to demonstrate power and control over his enemies. The skull was likely displayed above the wall at the La Loma fort as a grim reminder of what would happen if anyone else tried to challenge Roman dominance.
The discovery is significant because it sheds light on the tactics employed by the Romans during their conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which also inspired scenes in popular culture such as Game of Thrones.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a69550280/haunting-warning-shattered-skull