A fragmented brown bear skull unearthed at the Roman amphitheater of Viminacium—major city, military camp and the capital of the Roman province of Moesia (present-day Serbia)—has provided the first tangible proof that these powerful creatures were forced to participate in gladiatorial games.

For centuries, ancient writings have vividly recounted how amphitheaters across the Roman Empire hosted brutal spectacles in which wild animals were made to fight, hunt, or execute condemned prisoners. Although brown bears (Ursus arctos) were frequently mentioned in such accounts, physical evidence of their use in these events was long lacking—until now.

A multidisciplinary team of archaeologists and researchers meticulously analyzed the skull fragment found near the entrance of Viminacium’s amphitheater, a 2nd-century AD oval structure capable of seating approximately 7,000 spectators. Through ancient DNA testing and radiocarbon dating, they determined that the bear was a six‑year‑old male from the local Balkan population, living sometime between AD 240 and 350.

The examination revealed grim details of the bear’s life in captivity: its canine teeth showed extreme wear indicative of bar-chewing—a behavior commonly seen in captive animals deprived of mental and physical freedom. Additionally, the skull bore a large, healed lesion on the frontal bone, complicated by infection—likely the result of a blow inflicted during one of the cruel spectacles, possibly by a spear wielded by a venator (an animal-fighting gladiator).

These findings strongly suggest the bear participated in multiple arena spectacles, suffering injuries over time and enduring prolonged captivity, rather than being a one-time exhibit. The discovery of this skull, positioned near other animal remains—including that of a leopard—further implies that animal carcasses were sometimes buried formally rather than processed and discarded immediately after the games.

Ultimately, this study provides the first confirmed archaeological evidence that brown bears were indeed used in Roman amphitheater spectacles. It brings a sobering new perspective on the scale, brutality, and roles of animals in imperial entertainment practices.