In a remarkable find, archaeologists have unearthed a 2,000-year-old Roman military sandal in Oberstimm, Bavaria. This discovery, made near an ancient military fort, sheds light on the daily lives of Roman soldiers and their interactions with local populations. The excavation, led by the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation (BLfD), has revealed a well-preserved sole of a caliga, a type of hobnailed sandal worn by Roman soldiers. This artifact provides valuable insights into Roman military practices and their influence on the region.
The Discovery
The remnants of the Roman sandal were initially mistaken for a sickle due to their corroded state. However, X-ray imaging revealed it to be a caliga, a hobnailed sandal essential for Roman soldiers navigating rough terrains. The caliga, equipped with iron nails for traction, functioned similarly to modern cleats, offering stability and grip.
Amira Adaileh, a consultant at the BLfD, explained the significance of the find: “So-called caligae were mainly worn by Roman soldiers during the Roman Empire. The discovery illustrates that the practices, lifestyles, and even the clothing that the Romans brought to Bavaria were adopted by the local people.”
Preservation and Significance
The caliga was found at the bottom of a well, which provided unique conditions that contributed to its remarkable preservation. Such well-preserved artifacts are rare, with comparable finds in Bavaria being limited to only a handful of sites. Mathias Pfeil, general conservator at the BLfD, emphasized the importance of such discoveries: “Surprise finds like the shoe sole from Oberstimm repeatedly demonstrate that valuable information is still gathered even after the completion of archaeological excavations.”
The iron nails in the caliga were designed to prevent blisters and other foot conditions, such as trench foot, common among soldiers on long marches. The sandal’s design was crucial for the harsh and varied terrains Roman soldiers often encountered.
Context and Implications
The settlement where the sandal was found is situated near a Roman military fort and contains various other artifacts, including typical Roman ceramics like Terra Sigillata, food scraps, tools, and costume components. This discovery underscores the diffusion of Roman cultural practices and attire into local Bavarian populations. Adaileh noted, “The practices, lifestyles, and clothing that the Romans brought to Bavaria were adopted by the local people.”
The Roman Empire, which lasted from 27 BCE to 476 CE, saw a gradual shift in military footwear from the open-toed caligae to the more enclosed calcei by the end of the first century CE. This transition was motivated by the need for greater warmth and protection for soldiers. The discovery of the caliga in Oberstimm, however, indicates that elements of Roman footwear persisted in the region longer than previously thought.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 2,000-year-old Roman military sandal in Oberstimm provides valuable insights into the daily lives of Roman soldiers and their interactions with local populations. The well-preserved caliga highlights the significance of such archaeological finds in understanding historical practices and cultural diffusion. The BLfD continues to analyze the findings from Oberstimm, with the hope of uncovering more about the interaction between Roman soldiers and local populations. This remarkable find not only enriches our understanding of Roman military practices but also illustrates the enduring influence of Roman culture in Bavaria.
