What a newly discovered mass grave tells us about the ancient Romans

Archaeologists work at a newly discovered mass grave in Vienna, Austria
Archaeologists work at a newly discovered mass grave in Vienna, Austria
  • Construction workers have discovered a Roman-era mass grave under a Vienna football field, containing at least 129 skeletons, likely of warriors.
  • The remains, dating back to the 1st century AD, show signs of brutal battle injuries, suggesting a large-scale conflict, possibly involving Germanic tribes.
  • This discovery is unique as Roman soldiers were typically cremated – not buried –during this period.
  • Analysis of artifacts, including weapons and armor, suggests the battle occurred between 80 and 130 AD, and was potentially linked to Emperor Domitian's Danube campaigns.
  • Further DNA and isotope analysis is planned to identify the warriors and their origins, shedding more light on the early history of Austria.
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