Scientists say seven skeletons found in a mass grave in Croatia were most likely Roman soldiers who lived 1,700 years ago.
The male skeletons, all with various injuries, were found "completely preserved" during excavations in 2011 at the site of the Roman city of Mursa - modern-day Osijek - in Croatia's far east, a new research paper says.
Mursa was conquered by the Romans during the first century BC and became a large settlement that was also an important centre for trade and craft.
Now, researchers from several European archaeological institutions have been able to determine not only when the men lived, but also how they may have died.
According to the paper, the men in the grave were aged between 36-50 years old, taller-than-average in height, and were "robust" individuals. Their diets were mainly vegetarian, but some had also indulged in a little meat and seafood.
