Discovery in Swiss Alps called an 'archaeological sensation'
The remains of 2,000-year-old Roman walls have been discovered by archaeologist in Switzerland in the foothills of the Alps. During the excavation of a gravel pit in Cham in the canton, or state, of Aug in central Switzerland, the walls, which once protected a Roman building complex, were found. Other pieces have also been unearthed by archaeologists, include a plaster wall, iron nails, and gold fragments. As well as items such as bowls, millstones for grinding, glassware, and crockery and ceramic jugs known as amphorae. In a statement form the Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archeology, the findings were labelled an "archaeological sensation" for the region and could shed light on Roman activity in central Switzerland. Gishan Schaeren, head of the Department of Prehistory and Protohistoric Archaeology said in the statement: "Roman buildings of similar dimensions were last excavated in Cham-Heiligkreuz almost 100 years ago. We were also amazed that the top bricks were even visible above ground." The walls extend over an area of at least 5,300 square feet (500 square metres). Although it's unclear how Romans used the site, including whether it was a "villa with a view or a temple building," said professor of archaeology of the Roman provinces at the University of Bern Christa Ebnöther. The team said that findings of Roman tableware known as terra sigillata - which means "sealed earth" in Latin - were found, suggesting elite people were at the site. The amphorae, which typically held liquids such as wine, olive oil and fish sauce, are evidence that Romans in the region traded with those in the Mediterranean. Archaeologists also found several copper and bronze coins, including a silver denarius minted by Julius Caesar from the first century B.C. The discovery of the Roman walls is not the first ancient find in the area. Previously, archaeologists had found remains of a middle Bronze Age settlement, burials from the late Bronze Age, and a number of coins form the era of the Celts. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-09-08 17:26
Cambodia's leader returns to Facebook weeks after an acrimonious breakup with the platform
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has reactivated his Facebook account three weeks after announcing he was forsaking the social media giant in favor of posting on the Telegram messaging app
2023-07-20 21:55
Mark Zuckerberg shows off Meta’s new AI Ray-Bans, using it to braid daughter’s hair
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg showed off the company’s new artificial intelligence-powered Ray Ban smart glasses in an Instagram post where he uses the technology to braid his daughter’s hair. In the video, the Meta boss asks his Ray-Bans, “Hey Meta, how can I make a braid?” The AI in the smart glass then seemingly guides Mr Zuckerberg through the steps as he braids his daughter’s hair. He then proceeds to take a photo of the braid and captions it “Finally learned to braid. Thanks, Meta AI” to send his wife. “Hey Meta, send a photo to Priscilla on WhatsApp,” Mr Zuckerberg commands the glasses. The smart glasses, made in collaboration with Ray-Ban, were released last month at Meta’s Connect event. The AI glasses feature a camera that can record, and speakers in the glasses’ arms. Meta envisions the glasses to help wearers move between “virtual and real worlds,” to help them experience the “metaverse” around which the company has organised. The latest version of the smart glasses cost £299 or $299 and brings with it improved cameras, a lighter design, and new features like livestreaming. When previous versions of the glasses were released – also with the ability to record video – they were met with privacy concerns as people could record others without their knowledge using the AI Ray Bans. The latest version comes with lights that let others know they’re being recorded. The lights also blink when a photo is taken, and there’s also a solid white light that stays on when a video is being recorded. Along with the AI Ray Bans, Meta also unveiled its Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset last month. The latest version, the company said, would allow “passthrough” to the real world, enabling virtual objects to be layered on top of it. The Meta Quest 3 costs $500 (£480) compared with $3,500 for Apple’s Vision Pro headset. While Meta Quest 3 has considerably lower specs than its competitor, the company said it stands out from Apple’s competition by offering a more social version of mixed reality. Read More Instagram Threads adds yet more features as it tries to take over from Twitter Scientists receive powerful signal from the depths of the universe Solar energy is set to eclipse fossil fuels as world passes ‘tipping point’ Meta unveils ‘creepy’ AI chatbot that looks exactly like Kendall Jenner Zuckerberg says Metaverse can bring back the dead – virtually Meta unveils new Quest 3 headset and smart glasses that allow for virtual experiences in the real world
2023-10-20 20:27
More Americans disapprove than approve of colleges considering race, ethnicity in admissions decisions, study shows
Half of surveyed adults in the US disapprove of students' race and ethnicities factoring into the college admissions process, according to a recent Pew Research Center study.
2023-06-11 21:53
CEOs Urge EU to Clear Red Tape Bogging Down Bloc’s Green Shift
Executives from the likes of Volkswagen AG and Ericsson AB are calling on the European Union to remove
2023-07-12 23:18
Fortnite x The Witcher Adds Ciri and Yennefer Skins
The next Fortnite x The Witcher crossover is introducing Ciri and Yennefer skins to Epic Games' Battle Royale, available on June 23 at 7 a.m. ET.
2023-06-23 01:28
First Heat Wave This Year Declared in London and Across UK
Maximum temperatures in several regions of the UK have reached the official threshold for a heat wave, according
2023-06-13 22:23
Russian military hackers take aim at Ukrainian soldiers' battle plans, US and allies say
Russian military hackers have been targeting Ukrainian soldiers' mobile devices in a bid to steal sensitive battlefield information that could aid the Kremlin's war on Ukraine, the US and its allies warned Thursday.
2023-09-01 03:19
You can get Microsoft Office for life for $35
TL;DR: Through Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a lifetime license for
2023-08-25 17:47
Mechanical sails? Batteries? Shippers forming 'green corridors' to fast-track cleaner technologies
Water transport is a cost-efficient way of moving goods and people — but it emits lots of greenhouse gases
2023-05-27 12:20
Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED (2023) Review
This 2023 Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED (starts at $1,999; $2,199 as tested) had the honor
2023-08-17 03:51
KBI Biopharma, Inc. Expands Global Portfolio with Launch of SUREmAb™ for Faster Monoclonal Antibody Development and Manufacturing
DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 12, 2023--
2023-09-12 19:16
You Might Like...
This grade 'A' refurbished iPhone SE 2nd-gen is only $160
Apple and Android users paused Pornhub to watch the iPhone 15 announcement
Binance Offers Incentives to Accelerate Shift From Stablecoin to Fresh Alternatives
iPhone 12 is not emitting dangerous radiation, Apple says, amid fears of Europe ban
Rivian Breakout Is Expanding the Rift in EV Stocks
Microsoft-Activision deal back on track after US court win
Chinese consumers cheer Apple's iPhone 15, others prefer Huawei
AdultFriendFinder is essentially a porn hookup site that's stuck in the past
