Ancient Splendor Unearthed: Remarkable Roman Chariot and Horse Fossils Reveal Intriguing Rite of a Wealthy Family in Croatia.
Archaeologists in Croatia have made an extraordinary discovery of a Roman chariot, preserved as fossilized remains, along with the burial of two horses. This finding suggests that it was part of an elaborate burial ritual reserved for exceptionally wealthy families.
The excavation, carried out by the City Museum Vinkovci and the Institute of Archaeology from Zagreb, took place at the Jankovac Dubrava site near the village of Stari Jankovci in eastern Croatia. They uncovered a Roman two-wheeled carriage, known as a cisium, accompanied by the remains of two horses.
The burial chamber, believed to belong to an “extremely wealthy family,” provides valuable insights into the burial customs of the Roman period in the southern region of the Pannonian Basin. Boris Kratofil, the curator, explained that this particular custom of burial under tumuli (ancient burial mounds) was associated with affluent families who held prominent roles in the administrative, social, and economic life of the province of Pannonia.
The discovery is estimated to date back to the third century AD, although further analysis is underway to confirm its precise age. Marko Dizdar, the director of the Institute of Archaeology, described the finding as sensational and unique in Croatia. He expressed excitement about the potential to learn more about the family interred in the area 1,800 years ago. The team is particularly interested in studying the horses, seeking to determine whether they were bred locally or imported from other parts of the empire. Such information will shed light on the significance and wealth of the family.
The collaboration between domestic and numerous European institutions will further enhance their understanding of this remarkable discovery. As research progresses, it promises to unveil captivating details about the ancient family and their burial rituals, contributing to our knowledge of the Roman era in Croatia.
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