Switzerland Uncovers 2,000-Year-Old Roman Bread Loaf at Vindonissa, a First for the Country
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 17
Switzerland Uncovers 2,000-Year-Old Roman Bread Loaf at Vindonissa, a First for the Country
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 17
A 10-centimeter-wide charred Roman bread loaf has been identified at Windisch's Vindonissa site, marking the first such find ever recorded in Switzerland.
The loaf surfaced during excavations begun last August ahead of a residential development and was lifted with surrounding soil for preservation after archaeologists spotted the burned, round object.
University of Basel specialists said an initial inspection strongly indicates it is Roman bread; further lab tests in Vienna will examine its composition.
The same dig also revealed fortifications, buildings, tools and blacksmithing waste, evidence that could clarify when Vindonissa developed into a permanent Roman legionary base.
Officials said Roman bread survives only in rare cases when it is burned, making the find another sign of Vindonissa's archaeological importance.
Could this ancient loaf help confirm Rome's permanent Swiss base was established earlier than we thought?
What secrets of a Roman soldier's daily meal are baked into this 2,000-year-old bread?
Will tests prove this Roman bread was baked with local grain or flour imported by the Empire?