Drought Uncovers Hidden Roman Ruins, Prompting New Maps of Ancient Avenches
A severe summer drought in Switzerland revealed previously unseen Roman structures near Avenches, leading archaeologists to redraw historic maps.
During the hottest summer on record, parched fields around Avenches displayed parch marks that signaled buried Roman remains. A team of five archaeologists from Vaud, prompted by a local history enthusiast, deployed a drone to photograph the area each day from June through August. The images revealed a network of thermal baths, residential blocks, roads and a potential temple that had not been documented before.
After the drought eased, most traces faded, but the outline of a new pool in the baths remained visible in a warm alfalfa field. The researchers integrated these discoveries into updated maps, correcting long-standing inaccuracies. They plan to share the results with peers and may launch targeted excavations later this year. While they do not wish for droughts, they intend to capitalize on the unexpected window into the past.
Why it matters
The discoveries reshape understanding of Roman urbanism in Switzerland and could guide future archaeological work.
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