But, it seems, the nation's multi-cultural diversity is far from a 21st century phenomenon as shown by a pioneering archaeological study which has revealed a strong African influence held sway as far back as the Roman times.

New forensic techniques have been employed to paint of a fascinating picture of the cultures which impacted on York in the fourth century.

The research, which is published in the March edition of the journal Antiquity, has demonstrated that Eboracum, as York was known during the Roman era, had individuals of North African descent moving in the highest social circles.

The study has been conducted by Reading University's Department of Archaeology working with the collections of the Yorkshire Museum, which is based in York.

The research used modern forensic ancestry assessment and isotope analysis of Romano-British skeletal remains including the so-called Ivory Bangle Lady, along with evidence from grave goods buried with her.

A senior lecturer at Reading University, Dr Hella Eckardt, said: "Multi-cultural Britain is not just a phenomenon of more modern times.

"Analysis of the Ivory Bangle Lady, and others like her, contradicts common popular assumptions about the make-up of Romano-British populations as well as the view that African immigrants in Roman Britain were of low status, male and likely to have been slaves."

The study analysed the facial features of the Ivory Bangle Lady and measured her skull, while also researching the chemical signature of the food and drink she consumed.

Evidence from the burial site was also evaluated to establish a clear profile of her ancestry and social status.

Dr Eckardt added: "It helps paint a picture of a Roman York that was hugely diverse and which included among its population, men, women and children of high status from Romanised North Africa and elsewhere in the Mediterranean."

The assessment of the Ivory Bangle Lady suggests a mixture of "black" and "white" ancestral traits, and the isotope signature indicates she may have come from warmer climes. Taken together with the evidence of an unusual burial rite and grave goods, the evidence points to a high-status incomer to Roman York. It seems likely the Ivory Bangle Lady was of North African descent, and may have migrated to York, possibly from the Mediterranean.

Her remains were discovered in a stone coffin in August 1901, near Sycamore Terrace in Bootham. Dated to the second half of the fourth century, her grave contained jet and elephant ivory bracelets, ear-rings, pendants, beads, a blue glass jug and a glass mirror.

The most famous object from the burial is a rectangular openwork mount of bone, possibly from an unrecorded wooden casket, which reads "Hail, sister, may you live in God", suggesting Christian beliefs.

The skeleton and grave goods will be included in a new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum, called Roman York – Meet the People of the Empire, which will open in August following a £2m revamp of the venue.

The exhibition aims to throw new light on the diversity of populations living in Roman York.

Eboracum was both a legionary fortress and civilian settlement, and ultimately became the capital of Britannia Inferior. The city was visited by two Roman Emperors, the North-African-born Emperor Septimius Severus, and later Constantius I – both of whom died there.

These factors provide potential circumstances for immigration to Roman York, and for the foundation of a multi-cultural and diverse community.

The Roman conquest incorporated Britain into an empire that comprised Europe, North Africa and the Near and Middle East, leading to the extensive voluntary and forced movement of people.

The driving forces for migration across the ancient world were the army, the Imperial administration, slavery and trade.

Reading University's research has been funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the full paper can be found on the Antiquity website at www.antiquity.ac.uk.


Rare chance to see classical treasure



A bust of the Roman god Jupiter which is being stored in Yorkshire is a long sought-after treasure from a celebrated 17th century collection, new research has revealed.

The origins of the 1,800-year-old marble figure had been shrouded in mystery for decades.

But an English Heritage study has now revealed that the bust became part of the Earl of Arundel's famous collection of antiquities from the classical world. It was first documented in 1616.

The collection became dispersed during the 17th century, but 100 years later the bust fell into the hands of John Aislabie, an MP and wealthy owner of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon.

The artefact is about to go on show at English Heritage's archaeological store in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, which is normally off-limits to the public.

The tours begin on April 21 and bookings can be made from Monday by calling 01439 770442.