A ROMAN chariot complete with the fossilised remains of horses has been found in Croatia.
The bizarre burial dates back nearly 2,000 years and is thought to be the result of a lavish funeral ritual for extremely wealthy Roman families.
6 An Ancient Roman chariot has been found in Croatia alongside two fossilised horsesCredit: Central European News
Archaeologists made the discovery at a site near the city of Vinkovci in eastern Croatia.
A large burial chamber was found in which the two-wheeled carriage, known in Latin as a cisium, was found.
The remain of what appears to be two horses had also been laid to the rest at the site.
Expert Boris Kratofil explained to local media that the custom was part of an exceptional ritual during the Roman period in the province of Pannonia.
6 The find dates back nearly 2,000 yearsCredit: Central European News
6 The skull of a horse found at the siteCredit: Central European News
He said: “The custom is associated with extremely wealthy families who have played a prominent role in the administrative, social and economic life of the province of Pannonia.”
The discovery is estimated to be from the third century AD but the team of scientists are working to confirm its age.
Archaeologists from the City Museum Vinkovci and Croatia’s Institute of Archaeology were involved in the project.
Marko Dizdar, director of the Institute of Archaeology, labelled the “sensational” discovery unique in Croatia.
6 The burial is the result of a rare, lavish burial ritual for extremely wealthy Roman familiesCredit: Central European News
6 Roman chariots were used by the Ancient Romans for transport, racing and moreCredit: AFP
He said: “After this comes a long process of restoration and conservation of the findings, but also a complete analysis of the findings.
“In a few years we will know a little more about the family whose members were buried in this area 1,800 years ago.”
Mr Dizdar added that the horses may not have been local.
“We are more interested in the horses themselves, that is, whether they were bred here or came from other parts of the empire,” he said.
6
“This will tell us more about the importance and wealth of this family.
“We will achieve this through cooperation with domestic as well as numerous European institutions.”
The chariot was invented about 1700 BC and quickly became the most important weapon in the ancient armies of the Assyrians, Egyptians and Hittites.
But its importance declined after the Assyrians began to introduce large numbers of true cavalrymen into their armies around 700 BC.
It’s not the first time a Roman chariot has been found buried with horses.
Back in 2013, a 2,500 year-old-chariot was discovered next to the remain of two horses in Bulgaria.
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Who do you think is responsible for the burial? Let us know in the comments!