Brian Costello

@archaeoboxer.bsky.social

PhD in archaeology. Research associate at the uni of Leicester. He/him. On a never-ending quest to find the best donut

Huge congratulations to @sinskip.bsky.social, Anna, and the whole THH team! Celebratory cigars don't seem too appropriate though 🤣

Times Higher Education (THE)@timeshighered.bsky.social · 10mo ago

#THEAwards Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences goes to the University of Leicester for an interdisciplinary study, led by Dr Sarah Inskip, which uncovered the long-term health impacts of tobacco use in historical populations. Leicester’s second win tonight! 🤩

A hand of a bronze statue of a pugil (pugilist/boxer), wrapped in a caestus - a leather and wicker glove designed to protect the knuckles and, in particular, enhance impact. Found in the #Roman theatre of Verona. Pugilatus (boxing) was very popular in Roman times. 🧵 1/2 📷me 🏺

Bronze sculpture of a hand, slightly curled inward and detailed with protective wrappings,.a so-called caestus — thick bands covering the knuckles and back of the hand, suggesting layers of leather reinforced for impact. The wrist and lower forearm are also wrapped, with raised ridges and engraved lines hinting at the brutal construction of ancient boxing gear. The piece rests on a white surface against a plain backdrop.