Researchers found skeletons and parts of skeletons in shallow graves. (Photo: Arrow SAS)
Archaeologists in Slovakia have discovered the remains of a large Roman military camp that may have been used by the army of Emperor Marcus Aurelius during wars against Germanic tribes nearly 1,850 years ago.
This discovery is unusual not only because of the size of the camp, but also because of the way the Roman soldiers were buried.Researchers found skeletons and parts of skeletons in shallow graves, defensive ditches and even inside wells. Besides human remains, they also found Roman weapons, armour, coins and the remains of military sandals, giving new evidence of a military campaign that took place in the late 2nd century AD.Excavation work took place near the town of Surany in southwestern Slovakia. Archaeologists say the findings could help them better understand the Marcomanne Wars, a series of conflicts fought by the Roman Empire under Marcus Aurelius against Germanic tribes living north of the Danube River.
A rare camp has been revealed
The remains of the Roman military camp were discovered on an area of about 7.4 hectares, or about 18.2 acres. The excavations were carried out by MH Invest in cooperation with the Institute of Archaeology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS).
According to researchers, the camp had all the features expected in a Roman military facility. It included five entry gates, powerful defensive structures, a ditch system and a curved rampart that was typically used to protect Roman marches or legionary camps.This discovery surprised archaeologists because such camps are rarely found almost completely preserved.“We have a unique opportunity to explore the entire Roman marching camp, which is extremely rare in the European context,” Matej Rutkay, director of the SAS Institute of Archaeology, said in a statement.He added: “It is clear that we are investigating a place that disappeared immediately after the military conflict between the Romans and the Germans.”
Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (Capitoline Museums, Rome)
Links to Marcus Aurelius
The newly discovered camp is believed to date back to the Marcomanne Wars, fought between 166 and 180 AD. During this period, Romanian forces fought the Marcomanni, a Germanic people who lived north of the Danube River in areas that are now part of Slovakia and the Czech Republic.Marcus Aurelius, who ruled the Roman Empire from 161 to 180 AD, personally led military campaigns during these wars. Its goal was to defend the northern borders of Rome from repeated invasions by Germanic tribes.The conflicts ended after the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180 AD. His son Commodus later made peace with the Marcomanne, according to ancient Roman historian Cassius Dio.Suranj Camp is the second Roman military site ever discovered in western Slovakia.
The first site, found by SAS archaeologists in 2024, is believed to be where Marcus Aurelius wrote part of his famous philosophical work Meditations.
Skeletons in unusual places
One of the most surprising discoveries at the site is the large number of human remains. Instead of finding organized graves, archaeologists have discovered skeletons and parts of skeletons buried in shallow pits, defensive ditches and even inside wells.The unusual burials suggest that the dead may have been buried quickly after a major event, although researchers do not yet know exactly what happened.“Our preliminary findings indicate that in most cases these were Roman soldiers,” archaeologist Marek Wojcik from the SAS Institute of Archaeology said in the statement.Skeletal remains were found along with several pieces of Roman military equipment.“Numerous components of Roman military equipment and weapons were also found with skeletal remains, such as spears, arrowheads, parts of helmets, fragmentary and large shields, legionary pins, coins, and distinctive military sandals, of which iron spikes on the soles of the feet were preserved,” Wojcik said.These finds reinforce the view that the people buried at the site were members of the Roman army.
Detail from Marcus Aurelius’ Column in Rome.
The sandals reveal great details
Among the finds, researchers were particularly excited by the remains of Roman military boots. Although the leather parts of the sandals disappeared over time, the iron nails attached to their soles survived because they became trapped inside lumps of clay.Scientists used X-ray analysis to examine the clay blocks and identify the original pattern of sandal nails without damaging them.
The preserved remains have now been transferred to the specialized laboratory of the SAS Institute of Archaeology for further study.“It is a literal miracle to see the original shoe of a Roman soldier and even be able to determine its size,” said archaeologist Michel Cepin.Sandals, known as calligia, were regular shoes worn by Roman soldiers during long military campaigns. Their distinctive iron-studded soles made them easy to identify during excavation.
Mysteries remain
Although the excavations have uncovered important evidence, researchers say the site has also raised many new questions. One of the major mysteries is why soldiers were buried in such unusual places rather than given a formal burial.Scientists also want to know whether soldiers died in battle, from disease, or from some other event. Another unanswered question is why valuable military equipment remained with so many bodies. Typically, weapons and armor are collected and reused after battles, making such finds uncommon.“Laboratory analyzes and additional genetic and anthropological research may provide answers,” Chibin said.
