THE Roman tombstone that roused archaeologists around the world has been removed safely for further study – but is now asking more questions than it is answering.

The stone, which is thought to be from the 1st to the 3rd century, was removed around midday yesterday and taken to the Cotswold Archaeology offices in Kemble.

Archaeologists will now study the stone, along with the myriad of other items unearthed, to better understand its historical context.

Within hours theories were flying in from around the world.

Cliff Bateman, who project managed the dig, said: “By the time we got back to the office I already had an email from an archaeologist in Rome.

“If we found this in Cirencester 20 years ago it would have been much harder to work out its place.”

Archaeologists are particularly confused about the name that is inscribed, “Bodica”, which has also been found at a location in Africa.

Another theory is that it belonged to a man called Bodus, and a woman called Cacia.

People are also suggesting that the tombstone could have been from the wife not to the wife as was originally thought.

The skull found next to the body, which is being carefully removed now, may confirmed this as it is thought to be a males. The stone will now be studied by experts and crossed examined with other examples, once this has finished it will be up to St James’s Place what they wish to do with it.

Cirencester residents are already calling for the tombstone to be brought back and given to Corinium Museum.

The dig itself will finish tomorrow when it will be handed over to building contractors.

Other items unearthed include 55 other burial sites and pottery.

In 2011, Cotswold Archaeology excavated a site nearby in 2011, finding 75 burial sites and a bronze cockerel being cradled by a young boy.