Last July, a team of German archaeologists discovered more than 100 horse skeletal remains dating back to the Roman Empire. This finding is considered to be the largest of its species found in European countries.
According to press release The bodies were excavated from the archaeobw, an archaeological company, during a construction project in Stuttgart. Once discovered, the cemetery was excavated by the Archeo and the State Office for Monument Preservation (LAD).
Apparently the animals were part of the Roman cavalry. “The army, which had nearly 500 riders, had probably at least 700 horses. The losses had to be constantly replaced,” archaeologist Sarah Ross said in the release.
(Source: Stuttgart Regional Council/Archaeobw Monument Preservation Bureau)
The horse was buried near an ancient fort and found in shallow tombs. Archaeologists used radiocarbon dating to determine that the horse was buried over time and did not follow one event, such as combat. “The horses don’t look like they suddenly died together due to intense events like battles or trends,” Ross explained. “In fact, they either died in the presence of the ALA due to illness, injury or other reasons or were unable to fulfill their duties as military horses.”
Evidence suggests that the horse was buried without a ceremony, but the body of one horse was found with two jugs and an oil lamp between its legs. “We see a particularly close bond between the owner and the horse here. Despite about 1,800 years of age, we still can feel sadness over the loss of this animal,” Ross said.
Skeletons were removed for further research to determine age, breed, and other information to determine whether the horse is locally sourced or imported. Interestingly, although commonly considered mythical, the origin of the name Stuttgart is translated to mean “Mare’s Garden,” a term once related to stud farms.
