Remains of ancient Roman horse found at Pompeii after illegal dig uncovered

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a horse that died in the volcanic eruption at Pompeii nearly 2,000 years ago.

The "extraordinary discovery" came after police were alerted to illegal excavations by a group of tomb raiders near the ancient Italian city, the Archaeological Park of Pompeii said.

A plaster cast was made of the animal, which still had its bronze and iron harness on.

Image:The horse died nearly 2,000 years ago

The remains were found in a stable in a villa outside the walls of the city, north of the Pompeii archaeological park, in an area called Civita Giuliana.

The horse appears to be surprisingly big, and probably belonged to a wealthy family, experts said.