A discovery that fascinates researchers both for its uniqueness and its extraordinary state of preservation.
It is an archaeological discovery as spectacular as it is rare. At the bottom of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, archaeologists have uncovered a Roman cargo dating back nearly 2,000 years, perfectly preserved beneath the water. Hundreds of objects from the 1st century AD were found at the site of an ancient shipwreck, offering exceptional insight into trade and daily life during the Roman era.
Hundreds of intact Roman-era objects found at the bottom of a lake
Led by the Cantonal Archaeology Office of Neuchâtel, in collaboration with the Octopus Foundation and the Archaeological Service of the Canton of Fribourg, this underwater excavation is already being regarded as unique in Switzerland.
The story began in November 2024, when an anomaly was detected through aerial photographs taken as part of a lakebed monitoring programme, according to the official Neuchâtel website. Archaeologists quickly realised they were dealing with an exceptional site: the final remains of a Roman vessel that sank sometime between AD 20 and 50.
Although the boat itself has now completely disappeared, its cargo still lies at the bottom of the lake in a remarkable state of preservation.
A unique archaeological treasure in Switzerland
What makes the discovery particularly impressive is the richness and diversity of the artefacts recovered. Archaeologists uncovered several hundred ceramic containers, miraculously intact despite having spent nearly two millennia underwater.
Among the most remarkable finds are pieces of harness equipment and several chariot wheels in an exceptional state of preservation. According to specialists, these are believed to be the only Roman examples of their kind preserved in Switzerland. The discoveries provide evidence of a transport system combining lake navigation with overland transport, highlighting just how sophisticated Roman trade networks already were.
Even more surprising, Roman swords were also discovered at the site. The presence of these weapons suggests that the civilian vessel transporting the goods was probably travelling under military escort at the time of the shipwreck.
The cargo also included amphorae imported from Spain, used to transport olive oil — fascinating proof of long-distance trade across the Roman Empire.
An exceptional source of information for researchers
For researchers, this cargo represents an exceptional source of information about trade, craftsmanship techniques, and transport networks during the early decades of the Roman Empire.
Future analyses could make it possible to identify the exact workshops where the ceramics were produced and even trace the trade routes used at the time.
Eventually, part of the collection is expected to be displayed to the public at the Laténium, Neuchâtel’s renowned archaeology museum and park. It will offer visitors the chance to discover what is already considered one of the most important archaeological finds made in Switzerland in recent years.
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