Roman marching camp found in Slovakia

Archaeologists in Slovakia have uncovered a large Roman military camp likely used by troops of Marcus Aurelius.

The "extremely rare" camp came as a surprise to archaeologists, as it holds the hastily buried remains of numerous soldiers in unusual graves, including wells. Most are thought to be Roman soldiers.

Military equipment found with the remains included spearheads, arrowheads, fragments of helmets, pieces of segmented and scale armor, legionary brooches, coins, and iron hobnails from Roman military caligae. Researchers also recovered everyday items such as an axe, a cutting tool, and a gaming die. Between A.D. 166 and 180, the Romans fought a series of battles against the Marcomanni, who lived north of the Danube River along the border of the Roman Empire in what are now Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Marcus Aurelius reigned as Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and commanded troops in the Marcomannic Wars.