A team of archaeologists uncovered a large Roman complex during excavations at a gravel pit near Cham Oberwil in the Switzerland canton of Zug.
The site is located in the Äbnetwald region, where settlements and cemeteries from the Bronze Age and Iron Age have been identified via prior investigations.
Since the 1990s, the Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology has been conducting rescue excavations in the quarry, and a recent investigation discovered a number of sizable Roman houses and chambers that are part of a complex that covers at least 500 m2.
For the first time in nearly a century, new information on the extensive Roman occupation of the pre-Alpine region of Central Switzerland is now available thanks to archaeological evidence suggesting the complex dates to about 2000 years ago.
“Only a few structural buildings of this size are known from the Roman period in the pre-Alpine region – in contrast to other regions. What is also astounding is the relatively good preservation of the remains.” said Christa Ebnöther, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Bern.
The complex’s overall size and purpose have not yet been established. Archaeologists speculate that it might have been a huge villa or possibly a temple.
The archaeologists has discovered both commonplace items and high prestige findings, including imported Roman tableware (terra sigillata from Italy and Gaul), a gold fragment, coins, glass vessels, parts of amphorae, and a significant amount of iron nails from a wooden structure, in addition to the complex’s foundation walls.
“Thanks to this exemplary cooperation, we have been able to document numerous findings and save valuable finds in recent years. These pieces of the puzzle make it possible to trace the life of our ancestors and to better understand our history.” says Karin Artho, head of the Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology.
Photo: Heritage Daily, David Jecker