Researchers have identified seven skeletons from a mass grave in Croatia as likely Roman soldiers dating back approximately 1,700 years. These well-preserved male skeletons were discovered during excavations in 2011 at the site of Mursa, present-day Osijek, located in eastern Croatia.
Mursa was established as a Roman settlement in the first century BC and became known for its trade and craftsmanship. A new research paper from various European archaeological institutions details findings regarding the skeletons, including their age range of 36 to 50 years and their above-average height. The analysis indicates that their diet consisted primarily of vegetarian foods, with some occasional consumption of meat and seafood.
The skeletons exhibit numerous healed and unhealed injuries, comprising blunt force trauma and puncture wounds on two individuals, which are hypothesized to be inflicted by arrows or spears. Additionally, all individuals displayed signs of pulmonary disease during their final days, suggesting adverse health conditions at the time of death. Genetic analysis revealed a diverse ancestry among the skeletons, with none originating from the local area.
The paper posits that these men likely fell victim during the Roman Empire’s “Crisis of the Third Century,” particularly referencing the battle of Mursa in 260 CE, a period marked by conflict among various claimants to the throne. It is noted that the skeletons were found in what was initially a water well, a site where mass burials typically occur during extreme circumstances. The researchers suggest that given the positioning of the skeletons, it is plausible they were discarded into the well before being covered with soil.
Mursa continues to attract archaeological interest, having revealed numerous sites from ancient civilizations over the years.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgknnqp33qo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss