Seven skeletons found in a mass grave in Croatia most likely belonged to Roman soldiers who lived 1,700 years ago, scientists say.
The male skeletons, all with various injuries, were found “fully preserved” during excavations in 2011 at the site of the Roman city of Mursa (modern Osijek) in far eastern Croatia, a new research paper says.
Mursa was conquered by the Romans in the first century BC and became a major settlement, as well as an important center of trade and crafts.
Now researchers from several European archaeological institutes have been able to determine not only how long these people lived, but also how they might have died.
According to the newspaperThe men in the grave ranged in age from 36 to 50, were above average in height, and were “robust” men. Their diet was primarily vegetarian, but some also ate some meat and seafood.
All were found to have a variety of healed and non-healed injuries, including those caused by blunt force trauma, and two of the torsos had puncture wounds that scientists said were likely caused by arrows or spear points.
All the men suffered from some kind of “pulmonary disease.” [affecting the lungs] illness in the last days of their life.”
DNA testing also showed that the men were of mixed heritage and none of them were local residents.
The document notes that the Roman Empire was a particularly violent era and that Mursa was involved in several conflicts.
Researchers believe the men were likely victims “Crisis of the Third Century”most likely the Battle of Mursa 260 AD. BC, when “numerous battles took place between various claimants to the throne.”
The document states that the hole in which the skeletons were found was originally a well, several of which have been discovered in the area.
It notes that mass graves and mass graves “were not a common way of disposing of the dead in the Roman Empire” and were mainly used in extreme situations and mass casualty cases.
Given that the skeletons now lie at different angles, researchers say they were “most likely thrown” into the well before being covered with soil.
Mursa has been of archaeological importance for many years, with various sites of ancient civilization discovered in the area.
