The very well-preserved fossil remnants of a Roman chariot were discovered in Croatia as part of a ‘rite for the rich family’ 1,700 years ago.

Archaeologists in Croatia have made a remarkable discovery of a Roman chariot buried with two horses 1,700 years ago as part of a burial ritual for extremely wealthy families. The discovery was made at Jankovacka Dubrava site near the village of Stari Jankovci in eastern Croatia by the City Museum Vinkovci and Institute of Archaeology from Zagreb. The burial chamber found in the area was designated for an “extremely wealthy family,” and the chariot with two horses was buried together as part of the ritual.

The Roman carriage, known in Latin as a cisiu, was found with the horses, and the remains were well-preserved. It is believed that such an arrangement was not uncommon for those with significant wealth during that period. According to the curator Boris Kratofil, the custom of burial under tumuli, an ancient burial mound, was an exceptional burial ritual for wealthy families in the south of the Pannoinan Basin.

The discovery is believed to be from the third century AD, and scientists are working to confirm its age. The director of the Institute of Archaeology, Marko Dizdar, described the discovery as sensational and unique in Croatia. He said that a long process of restoration and conservation of the findings is required, along with a complete analysis of the findings to know more about the family whose members were buried in the area 1,800 years ago.

The researchers are particularly interested in the horses, whether they were bred there or came from other parts of the empire. The information will help to reveal more about the family’s wealth and importance. The scientists plan to collaborate with domestic and European institutions to achieve this goal.

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