In a surprising discovery that sheds new light on ancient Roman military practices, archaeologists in Stuttgart, Germany, have uncovered a 1,900-year-old horse cemetery containing more than 100 horse burials. The site, located near an ancient Roman cavalry fort, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of military horses and the troops that relied on them.

A chance find during housing construction

The story of the discovery begins with a routine housing development project in the Bad Cannstatt district of Stuttgart. As construction crews prepared the ground, archaeologists were tasked with assessing the area. What they initially believed to be a simple animal disposal site turned out to be much more significant. Excavations revealed a sprawling cemetery that served as the final resting place for horses from a Roman cavalry unit stationed nearby during the second century C.E.

While the exact location of the discovery had been long suspected to contain remnants of Roman activity, it wasn’t until the recent excavations that the full extent of the burial site came to light. Situated close to a Roman cavalry fort where a unit called “Ala” operated between 100 and 150 C.E., the cemetery was used for a much more specific purpose than simply disposing of animals.

A significant yet somber burial ground

The site primarily served as a disposal ground for horses that had died from illness, injury, or simply could no longer serve in their military roles. At the time, Roman cavalry units were an integral part of the Roman military machine, and horses were crucial to their operations. A cavalry unit, which often boasted up to 500 riders, required a steady supply of horses to maintain its operations. When horses were no longer useful—whether due to age, injury, or illness—they were often laid to rest at this burial site.

Interestingly, not all horses were buried in the same manner. Most burials were quick and unceremonious, reflecting the practical nature of the military. Horses that were still able to walk were led to the site, where they were killed and hastily buried. For some, however, their burial was more careful and deliberate. Archaeologists found one horse that had been buried with notable care, suggesting a deeper bond between man and animal in ancient Roman society.

What the site reveals about Roman military life

The newly discovered cemetery paints a vivid picture of the role horses played in the Roman military. The cavalry unit stationed near the site, the Ala, likely required a large number of horses to maintain its strength. According to Sarah Roth, the lead archaeologist on the project, the troop’s total horse population was likely around 700 animals. The unit would have faced a constant need to replace horses that were lost to illness or injury, with the disposal site serving as the final destination for those animals that could no longer fulfill their military duties.

“The horses do not appear to have died all at once, in a battle or epidemic,” Roth explained. “Rather, they were victims of everyday military life—illness, injury, or simply the need to replace animals that had grown too old or weak to serve.”

This insight into the Roman military’s logistical needs offers a deeper understanding of the relationship between soldiers and their animals. The fact that some horses received special burial treatment highlights the importance of these creatures in Roman society, where horses were not only viewed as tools of war but also valued companions.

The archaeology of horse burials: An enduring mystery

Horse burials have been a subject of fascination for archaeologists and historians alike. The discovery of such a large burial ground near an ancient military fort offers new opportunities for research into Roman equestrian practices. It is unclear how the horses were managed over time, but evidence suggests they were highly regarded. In some instances, horses were buried with military equipment or items that could help them in the afterlife, though this wasn’t the case at this particular cemetery.

Interestingly, this site is not the first to yield remnants of Roman horse burials in Stuttgart. In fact, remains of horses were first discovered in the area in the 1920s, and there had long been suspicions about the site’s historical significance. Now, after more than a century of uncertainty, the ongoing excavations have confirmed that the Bad Cannstatt district was once home to a large-scale Roman military disposal site for horses.

The excavation process: Piecing together the past

The archaeological excavation of the horse cemetery began in July 2024, with careful planning and detailed analysis of each burial. Archaeologists uncovered evidence of the horses’ ages and physical conditions, with some showing signs of age-related wear, while others appeared to have been injured in battle or during training.

The burials were arranged in a relatively simple manner, suggesting a practical approach to disposal. Most horses were buried without any sort of ceremonial markings, a reflection of the utilitarian nature of their role in the military. Yet, the discovery of one carefully buried horse suggests that, for some, the bond between soldier and steed may have been stronger than previously imagined.

As excavations continue, archaeologists hope to learn more about Roman military practices, particularly how they managed their cavalry units and the animals that served them. The discovery is expected to provide crucial insights into the logistical aspects of Roman warfare, as well as the role of animals in daily life during the empire’s peak.