2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck found in Swiss lake with cargo still clustered

Archaeologists located a Roman merchant shipwreck in Lake Neuchâtel with cargo dated to about 20–50 A.D.; hundreds of ceramic vessels, amphorae and other items were recovered and appear to have remained clustered near the sinking site.

Archaeologists have uncovered a Roman shipwreck in Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland, with a cargo that appears to have remained clustered where it sank. The site was investigated by teams from the Cantonal Archaeology Office of Neuchâtel (OARC), the Octopus Foundation and the Archaeological Service of the State of Fribourg during March 2025. The cargo is dated to between 20 and 50 A.D. and includes hundreds of ceramic dishes and amphorae that once carried olive oil. Key details: - The excavation was carried out by OARC, the Octopus Foundation and the Archaeological Service of the State of Fribourg and was reported after the March 2025 work. - Recovered goods date to about 20–50 A.D. and include finely made plates, bowls, cups and amphorae produced across the Swiss Plateau. - Amphorae indicate olive oil was transported from Hispania (modern Spain). - Many objects were found grouped closely together on the lakebed, which suggests they remained near the site where the ship sank. - Crew equipment and wagon parts were found, including exceptionally well‑preserved wooden wheels that are reported as the only Roman examples of their kind found in Switzerland, and a sword that has been taken as a possible sign of a military escort. - Officials noted the artifacts are fragile and exposed to erosion, anchoring and vandalism; the most vulnerable items have been removed for conservation and study. Summary: Officials described the discovery as exceptional for Switzerland and for inland waters north of the Alps. Conservators have removed the most vulnerable pieces and are studying and conserving the collection. Researchers plan to prepare the artifacts for future display at the Laténium Archaeology Park and Museum as part of the ongoing work.