The secret buried under the Rhine; A structure that remained intact for 2000 years

According to Heritage Daily; Excavation operations in the municipal square of the German city of Cologne led to one of the most important archaeological finds in recent decades in this area. During the construction of the new exhibition spaces, archaeologists managed to discover the foundations of an “Apse” or a huge semi-circular projection, which was part of a large administrative basilica in the ancient Roman era and a building that was used for official affairs and judicial proceedings at that time.

The thickness of the foundations of this magnificent building reaches four meters, and contrary to the initial ideas, it was not built with Roman concrete, but with the careful layering of basalt, limestone and tuff stones. The health of these structures after two thousand years is described as amazing; Because the location in the old slope of the Rhine river caused these parts to be buried under the soil in ancient times and to be spared from the damage of the constructions of the following centuries. In this place, in addition to the foundations, parts of the walls, stairs and even pieces of wall paintings have also remained intact.

Next to this public building, the discovery of a “Lararium” or house of prayer dating back to the second century AD in the governor’s palace complex has surprised archaeologists. These small altars, which were built to praise the guardian deities of the house, were previously seen mostly in areas like Pompeii, and the discovery of an example of them in the north of the Alps is unique. On this altar, the place of nails for hanging flowers and the remains of religious gifts can still be seen, which opens an unprecedented window to the public and private life of Cologne residents two millennia ago.