Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 2,000-year-old Roman military sandal near an ancient military fort in Bavaria, Germany. The sandal, unearthed by researchers from the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation (BLfD), was found during an excavation at a civilian settlement on the outskirts of the Roman military fort near Oberstimm. This settlement is believed to have been occupied between A.D. 60 and 130.
The rare find, initially appearing as two indeterminate lumps of bent metal covered in thick corrosion, was revealed to be a caliga, a heavy-duty, hobnailed sandal used by Roman legionary soldiers and auxiliaries. An X-ray analysis conducted at the BLfD laboratory identified the corroded lumps as hobnails, which were used to reinforce and fix the leather sole, providing stability and traction similar to modern cleats.
Mathias Pfeil, General Conservator of the BLfD, emphasized the significance of such discoveries, stating, “Surprising discoveries like the Oberstimm Sole show again and again that even after archaeological excavations are completed, valuable information is gathered. This underscores the invaluable work of our restorers.” Amira Adaileh, a specialist at the BLfD, added, “The find makes it clear that the practices, lifestyles, and clothing that the Romans brought with them to Bavaria were adopted by the local people.”
Caligae, the type of sandal found, were part of the Roman military uniform and provided protection against blisters and conditions such as trench foot. However, by the end of the first century A.D., the Roman army began transitioning to enclosed boots known as calcei. Individual shoe nails are frequently discovered at Roman sites, but only in rare cases are they found alongside remnants of the leather sole. This discovery in Bavaria is one of only a handful of such finds, offering important insights into Roman daily life and craftsmanship.
