Mysterious 1,800-Year-Old Roman Soldier Burial Unearthed in Spain!

Archaeologists working at an ancient fortress in Almendralejo, Spain, have made a startling discovery that could shed light on a dark chapter of Roman military history. While conducting an archaeological survey ahead of the construction of a solar park, they uncovered not only a fascinating ancient settlement but also the remains of a man buried in a peculiar and unsettling manner.

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A Soldier’s Final Resting Place

The remains were found in a shallow grave near one of the fortress’s defensive ditches. The individual, believed to have been between 25 and 35 years old, was buried face down with a Roman dagger, or pugio, deliberately placed on his back. Even more puzzling was the condition of his feet—appearing as though they had been severed. This unusual burial suggests that he may have been executed as a form of punishment, possibly for desertion or theft.

The dagger, remarkably well-preserved and still in its sheath, dates back to the late first century BCE. While the exact circumstances of the man’s death remain unknown, the presence of the pugio indicates a military connection. According to excavation director César M. Pérez from the archaeological company Tera S.L., “The deliberate placement of the pugioin the burial is a way of signalling the social position of the buried and his belonging to the army.”

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The Context of the Burial

Based on dating analysis, the burial likely took place in the second or third century CE, during the time when the only Roman legion stationed in Hispania was the Legio VII Gemina. Unlike other legions engaged in warfare, this unit was primarily tasked with escort duties and maintaining security in the region. This makes the nature of the burial all the more intriguing—why was this soldier buried in a way that suggests disgrace or dishonour?

Adding to the mystery, the removal of his feet raises further questions. Some archaeologists speculate that this might have been a form of punishment for desertion—a crime that carried severe consequences in the Roman military. Deserters could face execution through fustuarium, a brutal punishment where fellow soldiers would beat the accused to death. However, whether this individual suffered such a fate remains uncertain.

Photo Credit: ACCIONA

Investigating His Origins

To gain further insight into his identity, researchers are extracting DNA from one of his teeth. By analysing his genetic background, they hope to determine his ancestry and assess whether his burial aligns with Roman military traditions or local cultural practices. If his origins point to a different region, it could suggest that he was an outsider within the Roman ranks or that his death was part of a unique local ritual.

A Site Steeped in History

This burial is just one component of a much larger and historically significant discovery. The site, known as Cortijo Lobato, dates back nearly 5,000 years to the Copper Age. Positioned strategically on a hilltop, the fortress boasts three concentric stone walls, 25 bastions, and three defensive ditches, some of which measure up to 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep.

Archaeologists believe the fortress was originally built to protect agricultural resources during a period of severe drought before being abandoned around 2450 BCE. After lying mostly unoccupied for nearly three millennia, it saw renewed use under Roman rule in the second or third century CE.

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Artifacts and Clues from the Past

Within the fortress, researchers have uncovered a treasure trove of artefacts, including arrowheads, stone idols, axes, grinding tools, plates, bowls, and loom components. The discovery of a water reservoir and the charred remnants of wooden doors suggest the site may have been besieged and destroyed by attackers. The presence of numerous arrowheads supports this theory.

As archaeologists continue their investigations, further DNA analysis and excavation may provide more definitive answers regarding the Roman soldier’s fate. Was he a deserter, a criminal, or the victim of a lesser-known punishment? Only time—and further research—will tell.