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Major Discovery: Archaeologists Unearth Over 100 Horse Skeletons at Historic Roman Military Site
Archaeologists have made a significant discovery of more than 100 buried horse skeletons from ancient Rome, though the site is located outside of Italy. This revelation underscores the historical importance of Bad Cannstatt, a borough in southwestern Germany.
On April 16, the Baden-Württemberg State Office for Monument Preservation (LAD) released details about the excavation. According to the statement, translated from German, Bad Cannstatt was once one of the most vital Roman military installations in Germany’s history. During its peak, the cavalry unit stationed there had an impressive roster of approximately 700 horses.
As excavation teams worked diligently, images emerged showing the horse skeletons, carefully laid to rest in the soil. This excavation project commenced last July, driven by nearby construction activities that necessitated thorough archaeological investigations, as explained by the LAD.
The remains of the horses are believed to be nearly 2,000 years old, with dating tracing back to the second century A.D. Sarah Roth, an archaeologist at LAD, stated that the initial horse bones uncovered were confirmed to date to the second century through radiocarbon dating.
Roth further elaborated on the historical context, noting, “Based on the archaeological and historical knowledge of Roman Bad Cannstatt, the horses can be attributed to the cavalry unit, referred to as ‘Ala,’ stationed at Hallschlag from approximately 100 to 150 A.D.” The existence of this cavalry unit indicates its significance in the region’s military history.
Interestingly, the unit likely included nearly 500 riders who needed a total stock of at least 700 horses. Roth emphasized the constant need for replacement, as many horses would inevitably face loss.
Location of the Burial Site
The horse burial site is roughly a quarter of a mile away from the cavalry fort and just one-eighth of a mile from civilian homes. The excavation team described how the carcasses appeared to have been dragged individually into shallow pits, where they were interred lying on their side, either with legs extended or bent. LAD’s statement noted that the burial site was likely marked above ground.
Significantly, the arrangement of these pits does reveal some interesting patterns. Despite the sometimes dense layout, there were noticeably few overlaps among the burial pits, suggesting a level of planning in their placement. Roth noted that the horses did not seem to have perished in a single event, such as a battle, but rather suffered illnesses or injuries that rendered them unfit for military service before their burial.
She remarked, “If the horse could still walk, it would have been brought to the horse cemetery and killed on site to avoid the burden of transporting the heavy carcass.” This insight offers a glimpse into the operational practices of the Roman military regarding their animals.
Insights into the Burial Practices
Archaeologists are intrigued by the evidence suggesting that the cemetery site is more extensive than the area currently undergoing construction. The exact boundaries of the site, however, remain undetermined. Reports indicate that some horses were buried alongside specific items, perhaps as tokens for their passage into the afterlife. One notable find included an animal interred with two jugs and a small oil lamp, which were placed in the crook of its foreleg as a farewell gesture.
Roth commented on the emotional significance of such discoveries, stating, “Here we see a particularly close bond between the owner and his horse. Even after 1800 years, the grief over the loss of this one animal is still palpable.” This sentiment reveals the profound relationships that existed between humans and their animals in antiquity, suggesting that these connections transcended time.
Related Discoveries and Ongoing Research
The recent find in Bad Cannstatt is part of a larger pattern, with several ancient Roman grave discoveries reported in the past year. For instance, in Vienna, Austria, archaeologists uncovered a mass grave containing the remains of both Roman soldiers and Germanic tribesmen beneath a soccer field. Similarly, earlier in 2023, a remarkably well-preserved dog was found at an ancient Roman site in Belgium, further highlighting the cultural significance of animal life during that era.
The continuous unearthing of these archaeological finds serves as a reminder of the rich historical tapestry woven through time. Each discovery sheds light on the lives lived in ancient civilizations and their interactions with both their environment and the creatures they trained.
Final Thoughts on Historical Discoveries
In summary, the unearthing of over 100 horse skeletons at this historic Roman military site presents valuable insights into Roman military practices and societal relationships with animals. As archaeologists continue to study these significant finds, our understanding of ancient Rome will only deepen, revealing fascinating narratives that connect us with the past. The legacy of these discoveries ensures that the stories of those who lived nearly two millennia ago continue to engage and inform future generations.
Fox News Digital’s Ashlyn Messier contributed to this report.
