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Researchers in London have pieced together a substantial collection of Roman wall plaster, unveiling frescoes from 1,800 years ago that once adorned a building of significant standing. (Source: MOLA)
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Archaeologists have recently unearthed remarkably preserved ancient artifacts at the depths of a Swiss lake — and these items remain in close proximity to their original shipwreck site.
The sunken vessel was discovered in Switzerland’s Lake Neuchâtel, approximately 75 miles southwest of Zurich, by a group of Swiss archaeologists, as reported by the news agency Jam Press.
A team comprising excavators from the Cantonal Archaeology Office of Neuchâtel (OARC), the Octopus Foundation, and the Archaeological Service of the State of Fribourg conducted the exploration in March 2025, although the findings were only publicly disclosed last month by officials.
The recovered cargo, which dates back to the period between 20 and 50 A.D., was formerly part of a Roman merchant ship navigating Lake Neuchâtel.
This trove includes hundreds of exquisitely crafted dishes, bowls, cups, and plates that were manufactured across the Swiss Plateau, the central lowland region situated between the Jura Mountains and the Alps.
Archaeologists have brought to light an exceptionally well-preserved collection of artifacts from the Roman era, originating from a shipwreck nearly 2,000 years old. (Jam Press/Octopus Foundation)
During ancient times, this territory was recognized as the Roman province of Helvetia.
Images captured during the dive display archaeologists amidst ceramic plates, dishes, and other debris scattered on the lakebed.
The excavators also discovered amphorae, vessels historically used for the transportation of olive oil from Hispania, which corresponds to modern-day Spain.
The items were found clustered together, suggesting they have remained close to the location where the ship met its end.
Additionally, archaeologists identified everyday implements utilized by the ship’s crew, such as tools, harnesses, and components of wagons.
Experts indicate that the condition of the artifacts points to minimal disruption since the vessel sank between 20 and 50 A.D. (Jam Press/Octopus Foundation)
The wheels, remarkably preserved after two millennia submerged, are thought to be the sole Roman examples of their kind ever unearthed in Switzerland.
The team also recovered a sword from the underwater site, hinting at the possible presence of a military escort on board the vessel.
Authorities have issued a caution that the artifacts are delicate and susceptible to damage.
Some of the most fragile artifacts have been salvaged for conservation purposes while researchers continue their examination of the find. (Jam Press/Octopus Foundation)
In a formal statement, OARC noted that the valuable artifacts are at risk from lakebed erosion, as well as “the anchoring of pleasure boats … and, above all, acts of vandalism and looting.”
As a preventative measure, the most susceptible items have been carefully removed from the site.
Officials have described the discovery as unparalleled in the region’s history.
“The abundance and variety of this collection of goods, in an excellent state of preservation, render this discovery exceptional, unique within Switzerland and in the inland waters north of the Alps,” stated the officials. (Jam Press/Octopus Foundation)
“The abundance and variety of this collection of goods, in an excellent state of preservation, render this discovery exceptional, unique within Switzerland and in the inland waters north of the Alps,” the statement read.
Researchers are currently engaged in the conservation and study of the artifacts prior to their exhibition at the nearby Laténium Archaeology Park and Museum, which stands as Switzerland’s foremost archaeological institution.