Image Credit: Novak et al

Skeletons in Croatian Grave Identified as Roman Soldiers

Archaeologists have determined that seven skeletons found in a mass grave in Osijek, eastern Croatia, were Roman soldiers who lived around 1,700 years ago.
The remains, discovered in 2011 at the site of the Roman city of Mursa, belonged to men aged 36–50. They were tall, robust, and mostly vegetarian, though some consumed meat and seafood. All showed signs of injuries — from blunt force trauma to puncture wounds likely caused by arrows or spears — and suffered from lung disease in their final days.
DNA analysis revealed diverse origins, with none of the men being local. Researchers believe they were victims of the “Crisis of the Third Century,” likely linked to the battle of Mursa in 260 CE, a violent struggle between rivals for the Roman throne.
The skeletons were found in what was once a water well, suggesting they were hastily thrown in after death. Mass graves were rare in the Roman Empire and typically associated with extreme situations or mass casualties.
Mursa, a key Roman trade and craft center, continues to yield significant archaeological discoveries that shed light on the turbulent history of the empire.

Published on: 18-10-2025

Source: BBC