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Croatian Archaeologists Uncover Remains of Roman Soldiers Who Lived 1,700 Years Ago
A group of archaeologists from various European institutions have made a groundbreaking discovery at the ancient city of Mursa in modern-day Croatia. In 2011, seven fully preserved skeletons were unearthed in a water well that had been repurposed as a mass grave. The skeletons, all belonging to adult men, date back an astonishing 1,700 years and have been identified as Roman soldiers who likely fought in battles during the 3rd century CE.
Analysis of the skeletons reveals that they were of average height for Romans, with four being younger adults between 18-25 and three middle-aged individuals between 36-50. All seven showed signs of stress on their teeth, suggesting they may have experienced early-life hardships. The men's skeletal remains indicate they were robust but did not appear to be particularly physically fit.
The skeletons were found in different positions and depths, yet all seem to have been buried around the same time. This suggests that they were hastily interred, possibly after a skirmish or battle, with little regard for traditional burial customs. The researchers believe these men may have participated in a key battle for Mursa, which was an important trade center during Roman rule.
Further analysis of the remains revealed several injuries, including blunt force trauma to one's facial bones and puncture wounds on the torsos of two others. These findings were deduced from analysis of the skeletal remains themselves. The researchers also employed carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses to learn more about the soldiers' daily lives, revealing a diet rich in grains but relatively low in meat.
The discovery has shed new light on life during Roman times in Croatia, with Mursa being a key city that played host to numerous conflicts. Research suggests the city was heavily affected by civil wars and foreign invasions, ultimately leading to its decline and eventual disappearance from the historical records.
A group of archaeologists from various European institutions have made a groundbreaking discovery at the ancient city of Mursa in modern-day Croatia. In 2011, seven fully preserved skeletons were unearthed in a water well that had been repurposed as a mass grave. The skeletons, all belonging to adult men, date back an astonishing 1,700 years and have been identified as Roman soldiers who likely fought in battles during the 3rd century CE.
Analysis of the skeletons reveals that they were of average height for Romans, with four being younger adults between 18-25 and three middle-aged individuals between 36-50. All seven showed signs of stress on their teeth, suggesting they may have experienced early-life hardships. The men's skeletal remains indicate they were robust but did not appear to be particularly physically fit.
The skeletons were found in different positions and depths, yet all seem to have been buried around the same time. This suggests that they were hastily interred, possibly after a skirmish or battle, with little regard for traditional burial customs. The researchers believe these men may have participated in a key battle for Mursa, which was an important trade center during Roman rule.
Further analysis of the remains revealed several injuries, including blunt force trauma to one's facial bones and puncture wounds on the torsos of two others. These findings were deduced from analysis of the skeletal remains themselves. The researchers also employed carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses to learn more about the soldiers' daily lives, revealing a diet rich in grains but relatively low in meat.
The discovery has shed new light on life during Roman times in Croatia, with Mursa being a key city that played host to numerous conflicts. Research suggests the city was heavily affected by civil wars and foreign invasions, ultimately leading to its decline and eventual disappearance from the historical records.