Volunteer archaeologists discover ancient Roman temple in Netherlands

People work on a site where archaeologists discovered a Roman temple in Zevenaar, central-east Netherlands March 21, 2022. REUTERS

AMSTERDAM — Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Roman sanctuary with a relatively intact Roman temple in the Dutch central-east Gelderland province, the country’s cultural heritage agency said, describing the find as “exceptional”.

Volunteers made the first discovery in 2021 in a city near Unesco World Heritage Roman Limes – which represents the border line of the Roman empire at its greatest extent in the 2nd century AD – and alerted the agency.

A finding is pictured at a site where archaeologists discovered a Roman temple in Zevenaar, central-east Netherlands March 21, 2022. REUTERS

“There used to be several temples here. We have found remains of idols, reliefs and painted plaster,” it said in a statement.

“This is very exceptional (not only) for the Netherlands, but also internationally” it said, adding that while several Roman sanctuaries were known in the Netherlands, this was the first such complete complex and temple found.

Persons work on a site where archaeologists discovered a Roman temple in Zevenaar, central-east Netherlands March 15, 2022.  REUTERS

Complete votive stones and altars dedicated to various gods and goddesses have been dug up on the site which the agency said was in use for centuries during the Roman Empire.

Various pieces from the site will be displayed at the Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen, the largest city in Gelderland.

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