In 2009, when the remains of two hand-in-hand skeletons were found in Italy, they were nicknamed "Lovers of Modena," but their cause of death and burial remains a mystery. However, new discoveries about the dead have changed the way researchers study tombs. That said, both bodies were identified as males by using a new technique involving enamel protein research, according to the BBC.
The new findings call into question the various ways the romans treated the dead. There have been historical examples of people holding hands at burials, but according to researcher Federico Lugli, "there are currently no such examples," referring to skeletons of the same sex. The reasons for the two men's burial together now seem less certain, but that hasn't stopped archaeologists and researchers from speculating about the matter.
Relatives, comrades, or lovers?
When it was discovered that the modena lovers were all male in gender, it sparked a lot of controversy and discussion about what the relationship the two might have. Some have suggested that they are actually lovers, an example of an ancient Roman homosexual relationship that challenges our perception of their culture and attitudes toward non-heterosexual love. Other researchers, however, believe they may be related by blood — maybe even siblings or close relatives — or that they were soldiers who died together on the battlefield.
The researchers examined some of the bodies buried near the infamous skeletons, and what they found was interesting, to say the least. According to The Guardian, most of the dead faced physical trauma when they were found, leading some experts to believe that the cemetery was for those who died in battle. Perhaps by then, the lovers of Modena should actually be called "brothers in war", whether alive or dead.
New questions for historians
Although the cause of death may never be known, it is important to note that researchers are still investigating the case in depth. The couple is actually unlikely to be lovers, as the people who buried the bodies may have been early Christians who did not condone homosexual love, but as NBC put it, no reason can be ruled out. Interestingly, however, this is the only known case of two people of the same sex being found holding hands in the cemetery.
But whatever the relationship between Lovers in Modena might be, this newly discovered evidence makes the archaeological and historical community think about how society might have worked in the past, making future research all the more exciting. Perhaps no one will know why the two bodies were buried hand in hand, but only by asking new questions and keeping an open mind can the puzzles be pieced together.