Mass grave of over 120 Roman soldiers found under soccer field

Soccer field renovations near Vienna, Austria recently revealed a significant—if grim—archeological find: a mass grave dating back to the first century CE and Roman empire. The gravesite contained the skeletons of potentially over 150 soldiers. According to archeologists, the discovery is as dark as it is unique, and may provide unexpected new insights into life on the Roman frontier at the height of the nation’s power.

Archeologists plan to further excavate the gravesite, as well as conduct DNA and isotopic analyses to better understand the warriors’ living conditions. In time, the unique discovery may also expand and clarify what we know about Roman history during the first century.

“In Vienna, one is always prepared to encounter Roman traces as soon as one opens up a pavement or opens the earth,” said Veronica Kaup-Hasler, Vienna’s Executive City Councillor for Culture and Science. “After all, Vindobona laid the foundation stone of our city.”