Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Mass Grave of Roman Soldiers Uncovered in Vienna Offers Rare Glimpse into Ancient Warfare

Archaeologists confirm the remains of over 150 soldiers from the 1st or 2nd century CE, marking the first physical evidence of Roman-Germanic battles in the region.

Slonek_Novetus.
Sharp trauma was found on the skull of an individual.
A military dagger was among a small number of objects found in the pit.
An X-ray of the dagger showed Roman-style designs on the scabbard.

Overview

  • The mass grave, discovered in Vienna's Simmering district during sports field renovations, contains remains of over 150 Roman soldiers killed in battle.
  • Radiocarbon dating and artifacts, including a Roman dagger and scale armor, date the site to the late 1st or early 2nd century CE, during conflicts with Germanic tribes.
  • The hasty burial of the soldiers, with intertwined limbs and severe combat injuries, suggests a catastrophic military defeat.
  • This is the first material evidence of Roman-Germanic conflicts in the Vienna area, previously known only through historical accounts.
  • The discovery is part of an ongoing research project, with planned DNA and isotopic analyses to uncover details about the soldiers' origins and living conditions.