Archaeologists in Switzerland have uncovered the remains of an ancient Roman bridge in Aegerten, Canton of Bern, during construction work near the River Zihl. The discovery adds to evidence of the region’s importance as a crossroads in the Roman Empire.
Preserved remains in the riverbed
Excavations revealed more than 300 oak piles preserved in the waterlogged soil of the old riverbed. Specialists say the find offers a rare glimpse into Roman infrastructure and the empire’s enduring presence north of the Alps.
Part of a vital Roman corridor
The bridge was part of the Roman Jura Transversal, a transport corridor that connected waterways with land routes across the Swiss Plateau and through the Jura mountains. The road extended to Augusta Raurica, one of the earliest Roman colonies on the Rhine.
Strategically placed, the bridge stood just outside Petinesca—modern-day Studen—a settlement that supported travelers moving between Aventicum, Vindonissa, and the Rhine frontier.
Dating the bridge’s construction
Tree-ring analysis indicates that the first bridge was constructed around 40 BCE, shortly after Rome subdued the Helvetii, a Celtic confederation that had previously dominated the area. The structure remained in use for centuries, undergoing several reconstructions.
Its final phase dates to 369 CE, during the reign of Emperor Valentinian, a time when Rome strengthened its northern frontier against growing Germanic pressure.
This is not the first sign of Roman activity along the Zihl. About 40 years ago, archaeologists uncovered military installations on both banks of the river. That earlier discovery helped guide today’s excavation strategy.
Archaeologists work around construction
Archaeologists worked around pauses in the construction schedule to document the remains, extract samples for laboratory study, and recover artifacts. The approach allowed detailed research without delaying building work.
Finds from the riverbed silt point to both daily use and ritual practices. Items recovered include hobnails from soldiers’ boots, horseshoes, harness fittings, axes, coins, keys, and even a fishing trident. Many appear to have been cast into the water as offerings, while others were likely lost in transit.
A striking discovery among tools
A large carpenter’s plane, carved from wood and fitted with an iron blade, is among the most notable finds. The damp, oxygen-poor soil preserved the tool in remarkable condition. Experts say it, along with the other objects, paints a vivid picture of life on the road—revealing the trade, transport, and craftsmanship that sustained Roman society.
Preserving history for future study
Conservation work is now underway. Researchers believe the bridge and its associated finds will deepen understanding of Roman engineering and everyday life in the region. The bridge’s endurance—spanning more than four centuries—underscores its critical role in binding settlements together and maintaining Rome’s influence north of the Alps.
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