A massive 2,000-year-old complex containing a trove of ancient Roman artifacts was uncovered beneath a Switzerland gravel quarry — the first find of its kind in almost a century.
Archeologists announced last week that they have been slowly and carefully excavating the remains of what was once an “impressive building complex” that has been lying beneath the forest floor in the foothills of the Alps for thousands of years.
The discovery of a large relic is rare in this country and is the first in over a hundred years.
“In contrast with other areas, only a handful of structural remnants from the Roman era are found in the preAlpine area. Christa Ebnother is Professor of Archeology of Roman Provinces, , University of Bern. She said in a press release that the relative preservation of these remains is amazing.
Though the complex has yet to be completely uncovered, archeologists estimate that its walls extend over an area of at least 5,300 square feet and contain multiple rooms.
It is not yet known what the purpose of this monumental structure was. Scientists are unsure if it served as a temple, or a villa with a stunning view over the mountains and reservoirs that would become the quarry.
Items discovered thus far inside the structure are already giving archeologists an insight into the lives of ancient Romans who called the Swiss Alps home around 20 A.D.
Roman tableware — or so-called terra sigillata — and manufactured glass vessels, as well as gold fragments likely once belonging to a piece of jewelry have already been lifted from the ruins for preservation.
In addition to copper and bronze coins, a silver coin of Julius Caesar from the 1st century BC was also found. The face of the coin shows an elephant trampling on a dragon or snake.
“Fragments of amphorae, in which, among other things, wine, olive oil and fish sauce made their way from the Mediterranean region to the Abnetwald near Cham, bear witness to the extensive trade in Roman times,” the Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archaeology stated in a release.
“Large numbers of iron nails speak for a wooden construction on the existing wall foundation.”
While valuable relics from various peoples have been discovered in the area in recent decades — including remains of a settlement from the Middle Bronze Age, graves from the late Bronze Age and numerous coins from the Celtic era — ruins from ancient Rome is a rare find in the Alps.
Archeologists have been systematically digging out the stone building since partial remains were first seen poking out of the ground at the beginning of the year.
After thorough examination, they will remove the walls in favor of a more secure, indoor home for preservation.
Before then, though, the public is invited to come and see the ruins, as well as the archeologists, in action, next week, and hear from professionals about the lessons that the relics have to teach.
“These pieces of the puzzle make it possible to trace the life of our ancestors and to better understand our history,” said Karin Artho, head of the Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology.
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