Mass grave for fighters in Roman Empire-era battle is revealed in Vienna, Austria

Vienna made a startling discovery last October during the renovation of a soccer field. Construction workers unearthed a mass grave containing intertwined skeletal remains dating back to the 1st-century Roman Empire. These remains are believed to be the bodies of warriors involved in a battle with Germanic tribes.

After thorough archaeological analysis, experts at the Vienna Museum revealed the findings to the public. The grave is connected to what is described as “a catastrophic event in a military context,” representing the earliest known evidence of conflict in that area.

The excavation site in the Vienna neighborhood of Simmering has yielded the remains of 129 individuals so far. Additionally, many bones were found in disarray, leading researchers to estimate that the total number of victims could exceed 150. This discovery is unprecedented in Central Europe, shedding light on ancient conflicts in the region.

“Within the context of Roman acts of war, there are no comparable finds of fighters,” said Michaela Binder, who led the archaeological dig. “There are huge battlefields in Germany where weapons were found. But finding the dead, that is unique for the entire Roman history.”

Soldiers in the Roman Empire were typically cremated until the 3rd century.

The pit where the bodies were deposited suggests a hasty or disorganized dumping of corpses. Every skeleton examined showed signs of injury – to the head, torso and pelvis in particular.

“They have various different battle wounds, which rules out execution. It is truly a battlefield,” said Kristina Adler-Wölfl, head of Vienna city archaeological department. “There are wounds from swords, lances; wounds from blunt trauma.”

The victims were all male. Most were aged 20 to 30 years old and generally showed signs of good dental health.

Carbon-14 analysis helped date the bones to between 80 and 130 A.D. That was cross-checked against known history of relics found in the grave – armor, helmet cheek protectors, the nails used in distinctive Roman military shoes known as caligae.

The most indicative clue came from a rusty dagger of a type in use specifically between the middle of the 1st century and the start of the second.

The research continues: Only one victim has been confirmed as a Roman warrior. Archaeologists hope DNA and strontium isotope analysis will help further identify the fighters, and whose side they were on.

“The most likely theory at the moment is that this is connected to the Danube campaigns of Emperor Domitian – that’s 86 to 96 A.D.,” Adler-Wölfl said.

City archaeologists said the discovery also reveals the early signs of the founding of a settlement that would become the Austrian capital of today.

___

Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Jalen Hurts skips White House ceremony after Saquon Barkley hangs out with Donald Trump ahead of Philadelphia Eagles visit

Jalen Hurts did not attend White House event following Saquon Barkley’s meeting with Donald Trump before the Philadelphia Eagles’ visit

PHILADELPHIA — President Donald Trump has organized a White House event on…
Gizelle Bryant Says Karen Huger Is “Running” Prison While Serving DUI Sentence: “They Absolutely Love Her”

Gizelle Bryant claims Karen Huger is excelling in prison, with others admiring her.

Karen Huger is currently overseeing operations at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility,…
American tourist who trespassed on killer uncontacted tribe's island freed on bail... but there's a big catch

American traveler who entered isolated tribe’s island without permission released on bail with a major condition

An American tourist who was jailed for trespassing on an uncontacted tribe’s…
Reason behind Travis Kelce's humiliating public split with Ryan Reynolds reveals true depth of crisis for the Fractured Four

The Real Story Behind Travis Kelce’s Public Breakup with Ryan Reynolds and Its Impact on the Fractured Four

While Ryan Reynolds has been pictured cheering on Travis Kelce from the…
Canada Doubles Down on Leftism As Liberal Leader Wins Prime Minister Race

“Liberal Leader Elected as Canada’s Prime Minister, Emphasizing Leftist Policies”

Mark Carney has likely won Canada’s election. Canadians could have chosen a…
Bronx car owner dragged in street during carjacking caught on camera

Shocking Footage Captures Bronx Car Owner Dragged in Street During Carjacking

Police in the Bronx are investigating a disturbing incident caught on surveillance…
Chicago weather today: Upper Midwest braces for severe weather with potential for strong tornadoes into Tuesday

Chicago’s Weather Forecast: The Upper Midwest Prepares for Severe Weather with Strong Tornadoes Possible Through Tuesday

CHICAGO — The Chicago area has been placed under a conditional threat…
Official trailer: Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds Score Big in 'Welcome to Wrexham' season 4

New trailer: Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds shine in ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ season 4

LOS ANGELES — The fairytale continues. The Emmy-winning docuseries, “Welcome to Wrexham,”…
Huge power outage strikes Spain, Portugal and France: Entire cities plunged into blackouts, transport networks shut down and internet is cut off in scenes of mayhem

Massive power failure impacts Spain, Portugal, and France: Entire cities experience blackouts, transportation systems cease working, and internet connectivity disrupted in chaotic situations.

Spain and Portugal have been hit by widespread blackouts, with millions plunged into…
Tyre Nichols: Former Memphis officers were frustrated when they fatally beat 29-year-old Black man, prosecutor says

Tyre Nichols: Ex-Memphis Cops were Upset before Beating a 29-year-old Black man to Death, States Prosecutor

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The prosecutor stated during the trial that three former…
2025 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees: How To Watch The Ceremony For The White Stripes, Warren Zevon, Soundgarden, And More

How to Watch the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for The White Stripes, Warren Zevon, Soundgarden, and Others

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has made its decision on…
Vancouver Car Ramming: Seattle man recalls night, shares relief after deadly attack at Filipino festival

Seattle Man Recalls Terrifying Night of Vancouver Car Ramming at Filipino Festival

The deadly car ramming attack in Vancouver is sending shock waves through…