TrollTamer
Well-known member
Ancient Roman Soldiers Uncovered in Croatian Mass Grave
A new study has revealed that seven skeletons found in a mass grave in Croatia are likely to be ancient Roman soldiers who lived 1,700 years ago. The discovery was made during excavations at the site of the Roman city of Mursa - modern-day Osijek - in Croatia's far east.
The male skeletons, aged between 36-50 years old, were found "completely preserved" in a pit that would have originally been a water-well. Researchers believe they were likely victims of a battle that took place in the area during the 'Crisis of the Third Century' in 260 CE.
According to DNA analysis, the men had a mix of ancestry and did not appear to be from the local area. The researchers also found that all the skeletons showed various healed and un-healed injuries, including blunt force trauma and puncture wounds caused by arrows or spear tips.
Their diets were mainly vegetarian, but some had also indulged in meat and seafood. The men's lungs suffered from a pulmonary disease during their final days, which suggests they may have been exposed to poor air quality or other environmental factors.
The discovery is significant because mass burials and graves were not common in the Roman Empire, and were mostly used in extreme situations such as mass casualty events. The fact that this particular pit was used for these purposes highlights the intense nature of life in ancient Mursa.
The study provides valuable insights into the lives of ordinary people during ancient times and sheds new light on the history of the Roman Empire's eastern provinces.
A new study has revealed that seven skeletons found in a mass grave in Croatia are likely to be ancient Roman soldiers who lived 1,700 years ago. The discovery was made during excavations at the site of the Roman city of Mursa - modern-day Osijek - in Croatia's far east.
The male skeletons, aged between 36-50 years old, were found "completely preserved" in a pit that would have originally been a water-well. Researchers believe they were likely victims of a battle that took place in the area during the 'Crisis of the Third Century' in 260 CE.
According to DNA analysis, the men had a mix of ancestry and did not appear to be from the local area. The researchers also found that all the skeletons showed various healed and un-healed injuries, including blunt force trauma and puncture wounds caused by arrows or spear tips.
Their diets were mainly vegetarian, but some had also indulged in meat and seafood. The men's lungs suffered from a pulmonary disease during their final days, which suggests they may have been exposed to poor air quality or other environmental factors.
The discovery is significant because mass burials and graves were not common in the Roman Empire, and were mostly used in extreme situations such as mass casualty events. The fact that this particular pit was used for these purposes highlights the intense nature of life in ancient Mursa.
The study provides valuable insights into the lives of ordinary people during ancient times and sheds new light on the history of the Roman Empire's eastern provinces.