An unexpected discovery by a passerby has led archaeologists to the long-lost remains of an Ancient Roman building in northern Switzerland, officials confirmed.
The canton of Solothurn announced the finding in a Facebook post on May 20, revealing that the ruins were uncovered at a highway construction site near Luterbach, approximately 22 miles north of Bern.
According to the post, the discovery began when a pedestrian noticed an unusual cluster of stones and brick fragments near a motorway bridge.
“It soon became clear: A Roman building is buried here,” the translated statement read.
Photos shared by local authorities show the stone foundation of the ancient structure shockingly close to the roadside. Despite the historical significance, officials noted that the Roman remains will be covered again to make way for the replacement of the nearby highway bridge.
This isn’t the first time these ruins have been encountered. In the 1860s, archaeologists reportedly excavated a structure made of pebble and granite stones at this same location. However, the precise site had been lost to time—until now.
“This latest discovery confirms the location of what had previously only been partially documented,” the canton said.
In addition to the stonework, earlier excavations had unearthed brick fragments, parts of a silver bowl, and artifacts dating back to both Roman and late Celtic periods.
With input from Fox News
