During recent renovation works at the Rusovce Manor House near Bratislava, Slovakia, archaeologists uncovered a remarkable 1,800-year-old Roman aqueduct just two-and-a-half feet beneath the ground. This subterranean structure dates back to the second century CE and is unparalleled in Slovakia, according to Archaeology Magazine.
The excavation, carried out by students and faculty from the nearby University of Trnava, uncovered nearly 38 meters (125 feet) of the aqueduct. Experts estimate that engineers used 56 tons of material, including stone and over 80 tiles, to construct the aqueduct.
"Nothing of the sort has been found in Slovakia before," said research leader Erik Hrnčiarik, an archaeologist at the University of Trnava, according to Smithsonian Magazine. The discovery is considered unique in Slovakian history, with similar aqueducts found in other parts of Central Europe.
The aqueduct, which measures about a foot across, is made of stone and tegulae—clay bricks often used in ancient Roman architecture. More than two and a half feet underground, researchers found a sloping artificial channel constructed to gently descend toward the Rusovce Manor House. The sides of the tunnel are lined with stones and a series of sloping tiles down to the base.
An inscription on one of the bricks connects the aqueduct's construction with the private brickworks of Gaius Valerius Constans. The tile is stamped with "C VAL CONST KAR," which archaeologists linked to the second-century CE brickmaker whose workshop operated in Carnuntum, modern-day Austria.
One of the tiles also bears the imprint of a dog's paw, which presumably stepped on it before it dried. "Some of the tiles have been preserved so well that the archaeologists were able to read the printed name of the manufacturer," according to Enikos.
The exact purpose of the aqueduct remains a mystery. Researchers theorize that Romans once built a bathhouse on the site, complete with an aqueduct to bring the necessary water. According to Archaeology Magazine, "The underground stone channel was likely built to transport water to an ancient bathhouse." However, they found no physical evidence for this theory, as the ancient structure may have been demolished centuries ago to build the castle.
Alongside the aqueduct, the team uncovered Roman luxury ceramics and settlement objects from the Early Iron Age and the Middle Ages, including window glass, a silver bracelet, and an antique wallet. They also unearthed a medieval brick kiln, likely used to make lime, a multi-use construction material, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
The Rusovce Manor House has a rich history. The current Neo-Gothic building dates to the mid-19th century, replacing the original castle built in the 13th century. Previous excavations in 2018 by the University of Trnava uncovered the foundations of the original castle, as well as findings from the Iron Age and ancient Romans, illustrating its long history.
The discovery of the aqueduct provides new insights into Slovakia's Roman past. Though most of modern-day Slovakia was never under Roman control, the southwestern corner, including Bratislava, was once part of the Roman province of Pannonia. Similar aqueducts have been discovered in other parts of Central Europe, including ancient Roman military camps in Austria's Vienna and Mautern. The aqueduct bears some similarity to those found in Vindobona.
The structure is in good condition, having been buried for centuries and thus well-preserved. The quality of preservation and the extent of the structure enhance its importance. "Based on the manufacturers' imprints on the tiles, the aqueduct dates back at least 1,800 years," said Hrnčiarik.
The renovation work at the Rusovce Manor House continues and is expected to last until 2029. During this period, archaeologists are not only preserving the manor house for future generations but also uncovering treasures from Slovakia's past. They suspect that they'll find even more artifacts at the site.
As the excavation progresses, the team plans to return to the main house in the spring. Though they'll next pivot to the servant quarters, they are optimistic about what future digs may reveal. These earlier findings have made the team from Trnava University hopeful.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.
