There are some archaeological discoveries being made every day but a new discovery that has taken the archaeological world by storm. In a recent archaeological discovery, an ancient 2000-year-old stone wall has been unearthed in a gravel quarry in central Switzerland. The new discovery has created an “archaeological sensation” worldwide. Now archaeologists are hoping that this stone wall will offer them an insight into the Romans as far north as Switzerland.
The Canton of Zug’s Office reported the discovery of the wall for the Preservation of Monuments and Archeology. The wall is just a few centimeters below the surface and has 5300 sq ft near Cham-Oberwil and points to what was a whole building complex with several rooms.
It’s not the first time that a wall like this has been discovered in the region. Some 100 years ago, Roman buildings of similar dimensions were unearthed here.
Christa Ebnöther, professor archeology of the Roman Provinces at the University of Bern, informed “Only a few structural relics of this kind from the Roman period are known in the pre-Alpine region”. He further said that “What is also astounding is the relatively good preservation of the remains.”
Though it’s still not clear why was the monumental structure built in the first place? However, possibilities are that it might have been a grand villa with a lovely view or a temple. Also the huge numbers of iron nails discovered at the site also suggest that there must have been a wooden construction on the wall foundation.
Some of the other popular discoveries made in the area are a settlement from the Middle Bronze Age, graves from the late Bronze Age, and several coins from the Celtic era.
“We were also amazed that the top bricks were even visible above ground,” Gishan Schaeren, head of the Department of Prehistory and Prehistoric Archaeology at Archeology Society Zug, said in a statement.
The archaeologists have also discovered everyday items from Roman times, including tableware and glass vessels. Fragments of amphorae have also been found which were used for keeping precious liquids like wine, olive oil, and fish sauce. These were brought from the Mediterranean to Äbnetwald near Cham, which tells volumes about the trade routes of Roman times.
Gold fragments were also discovered here which are probably from jewelry. Copper and bronze coins were also part of the find, including denarius featuring Julius Caesar from the 1st Century B.C.
Source: TimesTravel