Did British Romans shave?

Just had dinner with a couple of our local friends - both into archaeology (professionally). The (a)typicial, post-dinner, alcohol-fuelled discussion wandered into an in-depth discussion about whether British Romans shaved - and if so, with what....Perhaps we should get a life?!

Anyway, the concensus was that they did - as all contemporary illustrations depicted them as clean-shaven. However, therein lies the rub - was it with iron, copper or bronze razors? I postulated that because there was no evidence of any razors at all (be it iron, copper or bronze) that it must have been with iron - as copper and bronze last longer in the British climate and soil types - and iron oxidises and disintegrates. Not, I might add, a wholly supported view amongst my learned archaeology chums. "No evidence is no evidence" one pompously stated.

Ok. This is your opportunity to add to the great wealth of knowledge that is academic British archeaology - let us know your own thoughts and theories - I'll forward them on to my archaeolgy chums.....Click on the link below and air your views. Do it now - you know it makes sense.

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