2000-Year-Old Roman Bridge Discovered in Aegerten

In a groundbreaking discovery in Aegerten, Canton Bern, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a 2000-year-old Roman bridge during routine construction work. This remarkable find represents one of the most significant Roman-era discoveries in Switzerland in recent years, offering unprecedented insights into ancient Roman engineering and settlement patterns in the region.

The excavation has yielded an impressive array of well-preserved artifacts, including over 300 oak piles that have remained intact due to groundwater preservation. The Archaeological Service of Canton Bern has recovered numerous daily life objects, such as shoe nails, axes, a fishing trident, keys, and coins. A particularly noteworthy find is a remarkably well-preserved wooden and iron plane, maintained by oxygen-poor damp soil conditions.

Tree-ring analyses reveal that the bridge's history spans over four centuries, from approximately 40 BC to 369 AD. This timeline coincides with the Roman conquest of Celtic Helvetia, making it a crucial piece of infrastructure in ancient Switzerland. The bridge served as a vital connection point near the Roman settlement of Petinesca, now modern-day Studen, and was an integral part of the Roman Jura transversal route connecting major settlements of the era.

This discovery provides archaeologists and historians with unprecedented opportunities to study Roman construction techniques and daily life in ancient Helvetia. The Archaeological Service of Canton Bern continues detailed laboratory analysis of the findings, which promises to enhance our understanding of Roman infrastructure and trade routes in Switzerland. The site represents a significant addition to Switzerland's rich archaeological heritage and demonstrates the country's important role in Roman history.