A recent excavation in Slovakia has revealed a significant discovery linked to species from the distant past. Archaeologists, working beneath the Rusovce Manor in Bratislava, have uncovered traces of a Roman aqueduct, offering new insights into ancient infrastructure.
According to Archaeology Magazine, the implications of this discovery extend beyond mere artifacts, touching on questions of mass extinction and human advancement. With this, the connection between past civilizations and the natural world continues to deepen.
A Remarkable Discovery Beneath Rusovce Manor
The Roman Aqueduct, discovered during ongoing restoration work at the Neo-Gothic Rusovce Manor, dates back to the 2nd century CE. The manor itself was built on the site of an earlier Roman military camp, Gerulata, part of the Danubian Limes—the Roman Empire’s frontier defense system.
The excavation, led by the Classical Archaeology Department of Trnava University, revealed a stone and brick structure that is now recognized as a significant piece of ancient Roman engineering.
At 100 feet in length, the aqueduct was constructed using Roman bricks known as tegulae and stone, with a gradual slope designed to carry water to a nearby structure. According to Associate Professor Hrnčiarik,
The state of preservation of the aqueduct is extraordinary. We have documented 38 meters of the aqueduct so far. Its preservation is extraordinary. Calculations indicate that the Romans used at least 51 tons of stone and over 80 tegulae.
Some of the bricks bear manufacturers’ stamps, while others feature paw prints left by animals as they were left drying in the sun.
The aqueduct’s preservation is considered unparalleled in Slovakia, as the structure has remained remarkably intact for nearly two millennia.
Archaeologists suggest that this structure could have been a bathhouse for Roman soldiers, though its exact location remains undetermined. The Roman Aqueduct’s course is believed to have led to an unknown structure near the southern wing of the manor, but no physical remains of the building have been found so far.
Historical Significance of the Aqueduct
The discovery has sparked excitement within the archaeological community, as it sheds light on the technical prowess of the Romans. Among the finds is a brick imprinted with the words “C VAL CONST KAR,” which points to the workshop of Gaius Valerius Constans, a brickmaker from the Roman city of Carnuntum (modern-day Austria).
This suggests that the Roman Aqueduct was constructed during the 2nd century CE and functioned until the end of the century before being filled in and preserved for centuries.
We assume that the aqueduct was used until the end of the 2nd century, when it was filled in and thus preserved for two millennia – said Hrnčiarik in a statement
This remarkable preservation gives historians an unprecedented opportunity to study the engineering methods of the Romans and their impact on the region.
A Deeper Look at the Site and Its Findings
Alongside the Roman Aqueduct, the excavation team uncovered other Roman-era artifacts, including terra sigillata—imported Roman pottery from France and Germany—window glass, and personal items such as a silver bracelet and an antique coin pouch.
The site also revealed remnants from other historical periods, including a medieval kiln. As Tomáš Kolon, a researcher from the University of Trnava, explained,
We believe the kiln was used to process marble statues and reliefs found in the abandoned Roman camp nearby.
The discovery of a large underground circular structure, identified as an early modern icehouse, was also made. This structure, likely used by the Zichy family in the 19th century, was designed to store ice for use during the warmer months.
Protecting the Past for Future Generations
The aqueduct was discovered within a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gerulata, which adds to its historical importance. Slovak authorities have committed to preserving the aqueduct in its original location, ensuring that future generations will be able to witness this remarkable piece of Roman history.
The Slovak Monuments Board, in collaboration with the Slovak Government, is working to ensure that the site remains undisturbed by modern development, even making adjustments to a nearby technical service building project to avoid disturbing the aqueduct.
Excavation work continues at the Rusovce Manor, with plans to explore other areas of the grounds, including the “servant house” and its interior once the current phase is completed. As the project progresses, archaeologists are poised to uncover more about the ancient history of this fascinating site.
