Archaeologists in Slovakia have made a stunning discovery while renovating the historic Rusovce Manor House near Bratislava. Just two-and-a-half feet beneath the surface, they unearthed a Roman aqueduct dating back to the second century, marking the first find of its kind in the country. This hidden relic, buried for centuries, sheds new light on Slovakia’s Roman past and raises fresh questions about how the structure was used.
A Hidden Relic Beneath the Soil
For years, historians knew Rusovce Manor House sat atop a medieval site. What they didn’t expect was an ancient Roman aqueduct lying just beneath their feet. The discovery came during renovation efforts led by the University of Trnava’s Department of Classical Archaeology, leaving researchers both shocked and thrilled.
The aqueduct itself is remarkably well-preserved. Made from over 50 tons of stone and Roman bricks, known as tegulae, it stretches approximately 125 feet (38 meters). The structure stands nearly three feet tall and a foot wide, offering a glimpse into advanced Roman engineering techniques that once supplied fresh water to settlements and military outposts.
One particularly intriguing detail? Some of the bricks bear paw prints left by animals as they dried in the sun, a small but tangible link to the past. Even more fascinating, one brick features the inscription C VAL CONST KAR, pointing to a second-century Roman brickmaker, Gaius Valerius Constans, whose workshop was located in Carnuntum, modern-day Austria.
Was the Aqueduct a Lifeline for Roman Soldiers?
The big question remains—what exactly did this aqueduct supply water to? Early findings suggest it funneled water toward a structure beneath the southern wing of the manor house. But what stood there nearly 1,800 years ago?
Archaeologists believe the aqueduct may have serviced a bathhouse used by Roman soldiers stationed in the region. This theory gains credibility from comparisons to similar aqueducts found in Vindobona, the ancient Roman military camp in modern-day Vienna. The Romans, after all, were masters of water management, building elaborate systems to support their vast empire. Their aqueducts not only provided fresh water but also enabled the construction of public baths, fountains, and latrines in heavily populated areas.
More Than Just an Aqueduct: A Trove of Artifacts
Beyond the aqueduct itself, the excavation has unearthed an array of artifacts spanning different historical periods. Among the finds:
- Roman ceramics imported from France and Germany
- Glass window panes from an earlier period
- A silver bracelet, possibly from medieval times
- A brick kiln dating back to the Middle Ages
- An underground ice house, which preserved food in the 19th century
Each artifact adds another layer to the story of Rusovce Manor House, painting a picture of a site that has evolved over centuries.
What Comes Next?
Excavation efforts at Rusovce Manor House are far from over. While archaeologists have shifted their focus to the servant quarters, they plan to return to the main house in the spring. The full restoration of the manor is expected to continue until 2029, offering plenty of time for further discoveries.
The site serves as a living timeline, with each dig revealing more about Slovakia’s rich and layered history. Whether future finds confirm the aqueduct’s connection to Roman soldiers or uncover entirely new aspects of the past, one thing is certain—Rusovce Manor House still has secrets waiting beneath its surface.
