Roman mass grave found in Vienna reveals over 150 soldiers likely killed
in a brutal 1st-century battle against Germanic tribes.
Vienna, Austria – A routine football pitch renovation in the Simmering
district has led to a groundbreaking archaeological discovery: a mass grave
dating back to the Roman Empire, containing the remains of over 150 soldiers
who likely perished in a catastrophic battle during the 1st century AD.
The remains were unearthed by a construction company in late October.
Following the discovery, the Vienna Department of Urban Archaeology, along with
experts from Novetus, launched a full-scale excavation. At least 129 skeletons
were recovered from a 16-foot-long pit, with the total estimated to exceed 150
due to prior disturbance of the site.
The site paints a grim picture—limbs intertwined, bodies piled in
disarray—suggesting a hurried burial following intense combat. “This is a
once-in-a-lifetime discovery,” said Kristina Adler-Wölfl, head of Urban
Archaeology Vienna.
Forensic analysis revealed all the remains belonged to young men between
20 and 30 years old. Most stood over 1.7 meters tall and displayed signs of
good dental health. However, all bore wounds consistent with battle—skull
fractures, torso lacerations, and evidence of trauma from spears, daggers,
swords, and iron bolts.
Unlike victims of disease or execution, the nature and location of the
injuries strongly point to a battlefield death. “The injuries are clearly the
result of combat,” the museum stated.
Artifacts found at the site include two iron spearheads, one embedded in
a hip bone, and a rusted dagger with silver inlays. Cheek pieces from Roman
helmets and remnants of scale armor were also discovered, alongside hobnails
from Roman military footwear.
Dating techniques place the grave between 80 and 230 AD. Experts believe
it likely corresponds to the Roman-Germanic conflicts during Emperor Domitian’s
reign (86–96 AD), possibly the fateful year of 92 CE. This hypothesis aligns
with historical records of devastating Roman defeats that prompted the
expansion of the Danube Limes fortifications.
“This mass grave is probably linked to the early urban development of
Vienna,” Adler-Wölfl said, referring to the transformation of Vindobona—ancient
Vienna—from a minor military site into a full-scale fortress.
The find is significant not only for its scale but also for its rarity.
Whole-body Roman burials from this period are extremely uncommon, as cremation
was the norm.
The Vienna team’s preliminary research will feed into a broader
international project, including DNA analysis, to learn more about the lives
and origins of these Roman soldiers. This remarkable discovery not only sheds
light on an undocumented battle but also redefines Vienna’s ancient roots as a
frontline in the Roman Empire's northern frontier.