Amazing discovery of ancient Roman soldier's footprints found in Israel

Footprint opens up doors into what the footwear looked like.

The ancient, fortified city of Hippos-Sussita in Israel, located in the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, has surprised archeologists with a new addition to their host of history-defining discoveries. Director Michael Eisenberg, the excavation's director announced they found detailed Roman footprints, thought to have been made by Roman soldiers about 2000 years ago.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - The Romans reigned during the ancient times, with their strong and resilient empire building skills. Their military and political prowess spanned across the globe; while remnants of their Colosseum, pantheons, temples and fortifications can still be found where they once walked, their footprints have been mysterious and absent for so long, until this most recent discovery.

The perfectly preserved prints provided archeologists and historians with a detailed representation of what the soldiers, or most Roman members of the military and the empire in general, wore during those times. The print showed hobnail construction, or structure, on their Caligae shoes or sandals.

This type of footwear is standard issued among members of the Roman Army from the 1st Century AB well up until the Second Century AD. The thick soles are equipped with iron nails, which functioned as a protective layer to what was an already tough construction, and simultaneously as a weapon.

These sandals are believed to have been the basis for modern sandals. These Roman inspired types of footwear have leather straps that go around the legs and up to the bottom of the knees.

The imprints were found on dozens of mortar bricks and roof tiles within the artillery walls of the ancient Roman fortress on the hills of Hippos- Sussita. The footprints are believed to have been made before the mortar plaster set and dried completely.

This milestone of a discovery provides more proof of what the Romans wore during those times. Archaeologists now have samples of what used to be considered an elusive artifact.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'

Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online