Ancient Roman bricks and coins lead to bigger discovery in Switzerland. See the photos

The Schaaren am Hochrein is a recreational area and nature preserve, but it is also home to numerous historical remains: a Bronze Age settlement, fortifications from the Napoleonic wars and World War II bunkers.

Some 20 years ago, a trove of ancient Roman coins and bricks were discovered at the park and added to the list of impressive finds. But until recently, experts didn’t have answers as to why the artifacts were there or how they ended up at the site.

After an exploratory excavation at the end of January, archaeologists finally found what they were looking for, according to a May 10 news release from Thurgau government officials. Experts unearthed remains of a Roman watchtower dating to sometime between the end of the third century and the end of the fourth century.

The tower was not well-preserved, so archaeologists said they were only able to identify a few stones and the foundation ditch. However, using comparisons to other similar structures from the time period, experts have been able to draw some conclusions about the building.

Given its location, the tower was likely used as fortification along the Rhine River to defend the Romans against Germans in the north, according to archaeologists. Experts said it is still unclear how the tower fit into the larger framework and map of other Roman fortifications and buildings.

Experts said further study of the tower and the other artifacts is forthcoming.

Thurgau is about 45 miles northeast of Zurich

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from Thurgau government officials.

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