Roman Mass Grave Under Vienna Soccer Field Reveals Targeted Pelvic Injuries
In Vienna, Austria, construction workers made a significant discovery in October 2024, unearthing a mass grave dating back to the late first or early second century C.E. This grave contained the remains of at least 129 young males, aged between 20 and 35, many of whom exhibited evidence of violent deaths. During a meeting of the Paleopathology Association, bioarchaeologist Sheridan Strang revealed that 48 of the skeletons displayed pelvic injuries, including one with a lance head lodged in the pelvis. The presence of artifacts such as an iron dagger and scale armor indicates a major military defeat, potentially associated with the Germanic invasions of 92 C.E. or the Marcomannic Wars (166-180 C.E.). This exceptional find stands in stark contrast to the typical Roman practice of cremating war casualties until the third century. Ongoing research has yet to undergo peer review.
Key facts
- Mass grave discovered under soccer field in Vienna in October 2024
- Dated to late first or early second century C.E.
- Contains remains of at least 129 men aged 20-35
- At least 48 skeletons show signs of physical trauma
- Most common injuries were to the pelvic area
- Sharp force wounds concentrated on skulls
- One individual had a lance head in the pelvis
- Artifacts include iron dagger, scale armor, and helmet piece
- Vienna was home to Roman military base Vindobona
- Germanic groups crossed Danube in 92 C.E., destroying a legion
- Mass grave may be linked to Marcomannic Wars (166-180 C.E.)
- Cremation was the norm for Roman war dead until third century
- Research presented by Sheridan Strang of Novetus
- Not yet peer-reviewed
- Similar find in Croatia: seven skeletons in a well
Entities
Artists
- Sheridan Strang
- Martin Mosser
- David Potter
- Michaela Binder
Institutions
- Novetus
- Paleopathology Association
- Vienna Museum
- University of Michigan
- Associated Press
- New York Times
- Live Science
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Hasenleitengasse
- Vindobona
- Danube River
- Germany
- Croatia