Discovery of Roman Mass Grave in Vienna
Archaeologists discovered a Roman mass grave dating back to the first-century A.D. under a soccer field in Vienna, containing around 150 male remains of Roman soldiers and Germanic tribesmen with battle wounds. The finding is unique in Roman history, as soldiers were typically cremated after battles. The discovery sheds light on the Danube campaigns of Emperor Domitian.
Key Points
- Largest mass grave of its kind in Central Europe
- Unique discovery of Roman soldiers in a mass grave
- Identification of battle wounds on the remains
- Artifacts such as armor and shield found among the bodies
- Connection to Emperor Domitian's Danube campaigns
Pros
- Uncovering a significant historical find
- Revealing insights into ancient Roman warfare and burial practices
- Contributing to the understanding of Central European history
Cons
- Tragic loss of lives in ancient battles
- Potential ethical concerns regarding the handling of human remains