Sunken Roman cargo surfaces in Lake Neuchâtel

Divers from the Octopus Foundation recovered over 1,000 well-preserved Roman-era artefacts, including ceramics, two gladiator swords, a dagger, a belt buckle, a fibula and a wicker basket, from a sunken cargo ship in Lake Neuchâtel dating to 20–50 AD. The cargo likely carried kitchen supplies for a Roman camp and was escorted by legionaries; one crate is dated to 17 AD. The wreck hasn’t been located yet and the discovery was kept secret to deter looting. Artefacts are being cleaned and restored, with a 2027 book and documentary planned and an exhibition at Laténium in Neuchâtel. The team notes there may be more historical artefacts in the oceans than in museums.