In a remarkable archaeological discovery, construction crews renovating a soccer field in Vienna’s Simmering district unearthed a mass grave containing skeletons that date back to the 1st century AD, likely the remains of warriors from a conflict involving Germanic tribes.

Significance of the Discovery

Experts from the Vienna Museum presented their analyses of the site, linking it to a significant military event. According to archaeologist Michaela Binder, this is the first recorded instance of warfare in this part of Central Europe where skeletal remains of fighters have been found. “There are huge battlefields in Germany where weapons were found. But finding the dead, that is unique for the entire Roman history,” she stated.

Details of the Excavation

The excavation confirmed the presence of 129 individuals, though estimates suggest the total could exceed 150 when accounting for dismembered bones at the site. All the remains indicate signs of injuries consistent with the chaos of battle.

Key Findings:

• Victims comprised entirely of males aged between 20 and 30 years.
• Dental health among the skeletons was notably good.
• Every skeleton displayed injuries from a variety of weapons, such as swords and lances, suggesting they were not executed but rather fell in combat.

Dating the Remains

Carbon-14 dating of the bones placed them in the timeframe between 80 and 130 AD. This period corresponds with known military campaigns under Emperor Domitian, particularly those along the Danube, where conflicts with Germanic tribes were prevalent.

Significant artifacts uncovered include:

• Armor and helmet cheek protectors.
• Nails associated with Roman military footwear known as caligae.
• A distinctive rusty dagger dated to the mid-1st century.

Future Analysis

Research is ongoing, with scientists employing DNA and strontium isotope analysis to potentially identify the individuals and ascertain their allegiances in the conflict. Currently, only one of the victims has been confirmed as a Roman warrior.

Adler-Wölfl, head of the Vienna city archaeological department, emphasized the historical implications of this find, stating, “This discovery reveals the early signs of the founding of a settlement that would later develop into modern Vienna.”