16 of Edinburgh's most fascinating archaeological discoveries

Skeletons at LeithSkeletons at Leith
Skeletons at Leith
Founded in the early 12th century, Edinburgh is a city that's positively packed with history - much of it hidden from view.

From the uncovering of 2000-year-old lioness sculptures at Cramond to the excavation of Medieval knights' tombs at Holyrood Road, we take a look at 16 of Edinburgh's most fascinating archaeological discoveries in recent times.

Edinburgh District Council archaeologist Mark Collard with one of the seventeen 16th century skeletons discovered under Magdalen chapel in the Cowgate in July 1992.Edinburgh District Council archaeologist Mark Collard with one of the seventeen 16th century skeletons discovered under Magdalen chapel in the Cowgate in July 1992.
Edinburgh District Council archaeologist Mark Collard with one of the seventeen 16th century skeletons discovered under Magdalen chapel in the Cowgate in July 1992.
Artefacts dating from the first Jacobite Rising in 1689 were uncovered during excavation works deep under the Castle.Artefacts dating from the first Jacobite Rising in 1689 were uncovered during excavation works deep under the Castle.
Artefacts dating from the first Jacobite Rising in 1689 were uncovered during excavation works deep under the Castle.
In 1997 ferryman Robert Graham unearthed a Roman-era lioness sculpture which had lain in the mud for the best part of 1800 years.In 1997 ferryman Robert Graham unearthed a Roman-era lioness sculpture which had lain in the mud for the best part of 1800 years.
In 1997 ferryman Robert Graham unearthed a Roman-era lioness sculpture which had lain in the mud for the best part of 1800 years.
A number of ancient stone tombs were discovered next to the Catstane at Turnhouse.A number of ancient stone tombs were discovered next to the Catstane at Turnhouse.
A number of ancient stone tombs were discovered next to the Catstane at Turnhouse.
Archaeological remains going back more than 500 years were studied following the Cowgate fire in 2002.Archaeological remains going back more than 500 years were studied following the Cowgate fire in 2002.
Archaeological remains going back more than 500 years were studied following the Cowgate fire in 2002.
Artefacts belong to leading Enlightenment figure Joseph Black were uncovered during an archaeological dig at Edinburgh University's Old College quad.Artefacts belong to leading Enlightenment figure Joseph Black were uncovered during an archaeological dig at Edinburgh University's Old College quad.
Artefacts belong to leading Enlightenment figure Joseph Black were uncovered during an archaeological dig at Edinburgh University's Old College quad.
Consultant archaeologist Peter Yeoman with one of the four skeletons uncovered at Edinburgh Castle when the entrance was being moved in December 1988.Consultant archaeologist Peter Yeoman with one of the four skeletons uncovered at Edinburgh Castle when the entrance was being moved in December 1988.
Consultant archaeologist Peter Yeoman with one of the four skeletons uncovered at Edinburgh Castle when the entrance was being moved in December 1988.
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