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Roman Mass Grave in Vienna Reveals Evidence of First-Century Battle

Archaeologists uncover remains of over 150 Roman soldiers, offering the first physical proof of Germanic conflicts during Emperor Domitian's reign.

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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 during sports field renovations in Simmering, Vienna, contains remains of over 150 Roman soldiers killed in combat nearly 2,000 years ago.
  • The soldiers, aged 20-30, show evidence of fatal injuries from weapons like spears, swords, and daggers, with no signs of organized burial practices.
  • The site is linked to Roman-Germanic battles along the Danube Limes during Emperor Domitian's reign, marking the first material evidence of these conflicts.
  • The discovery challenges Roman burial norms, as cremation was standard during this period, making the inhumation of these soldiers highly unusual.
  • Archaeologists plan an international research project, including DNA and isotopic analyses, to uncover the soldiers' origins and their living conditions.