Scientists have made a significant discovery in Croatia, identifying seven skeletons found in a mass grave as likely Roman soldiers from around 1,700 years ago. These male individuals, found during excavations in 2011 near the site of the ancient Roman city of Mursa (modern-day Osijek), were remarkably well-preserved and showed signs of various injuries.
Mursa, a major Roman settlement and trade hub, saw considerable conflict, especially during the tumultuous ‘Crisis of the Third Century’. Researchers suggest the men likely died during battles around 260 CE, a period marked by intense power struggles within the Roman Empire. The skeletons, found in what was once a water well, indicate a mass casualty event, as mass burials were not typical Roman burial practices.
The study, involving multiple European archaeological institutions, utilized DNA analysis and skeletal examination. The findings indicate the men were robust, taller than average, and came from diverse ancestral backgrounds, suggesting they were not local. Their diets were primarily vegetarian, with some consumption of meat and seafood. Evidence of blunt force trauma and puncture wounds, possibly from arrows or spear tips, points to violent deaths. Furthermore, the men suffered from lung diseases in their final days.
The placement of the skeletons suggests they were hastily thrown into the well and covered, consistent with the aftermath of a large-scale conflict. The historical significance of Mursa continues to be explored, with ongoing archaeological work uncovering remnants of various ancient civilizations.