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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Ancient Mass Graves of Soldiers, Babies Found in Italy


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Archeologists have uncovered thousands of graves holding the remains of fifth-century BC soldiers near the ancient Greek colony of Himera, in Italy.

Also included in the burials were arrowheads, amphorae, and infants with baby bottles-like vessels. Researchers think the adult skeletons are from soldiers who died fighting the Carthaginians in a famous 480 BC battle described by Greek historian Herodotus of Halicarnassus.

Photograph courtesy Stefano Vassallo/Archaeological Department of the Cultural Superintendence of Palermo