SouthernWorldwide.com – Construction workers in Italy stumbled upon the remnants of an ancient sanctuary while clearing old bombs for a highway project, prompting an immediate archaeological investigation.
The Italian Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape officially announced this significant discovery on May 19th through a press release.
This ancient sanctuary was unearthed in the town of Ponso, located approximately 45 miles southwest of Venice.
The construction crew from Veneto Strade S.p.A. was in the process of building a new road connecting Borgo Veneto and Carceri when they made this remarkable find.
The initial artifacts were discovered during operations to clear wartime ordnance, revealing the site’s historical depth.
Archaeologists subsequently uncovered substantial rectangular foundation structures, which are believed to be ancient temples. One of these structures appears to have been encircled by a row of columns.
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While some inscriptions were found in Latin, a significant number were written in the Venetic script. This was an ancient language used by the Veneti people in northeastern Italy prior to Roman dominance.
Many of the inscribed stones appear to have been repurposed within a paved flooring structure, the exact function of which remains under investigation. Some stones, however, were found in their original positions.
Evidence currently being studied suggests that this paving was constructed during the 1st century A.D.
As excavations progressed, more large rectangular foundation structures, identifiable as temples, emerged. One of these structures exhibits characteristics of a peripteral temple, meaning it was surrounded by a columned portico on all sides.
Photographs from the excavation site showcase ancient Venetic inscriptions, alongside fragmented column pieces and stone blocks partially buried. These are thought to be integral parts of the temple complex.
Some of the inscriptions found bear a “votive character,” strongly indicating their use for religious purposes.
Archaeologists theorize that a branch of the Adige River likely flooded this area at some point in antiquity, contributing to the site’s preservation.
Early findings point towards a continuous use and transformation of the site over time, rather than a complete abandonment.
The sanctuary seems to have maintained its importance even during Roman times, though its expression and cultural context evolved from its earlier phase.
Researchers are currently engaged in an intensive investigation of the area to uncover more about its history.
This discovery adds to an increasing number of significant archaeological finds that have recently been made across Italy.
In the previous year, archaeologists in Trento discovered a vast Iron Age necropolis, essentially an ancient “city of the dead,” with burials dating back nearly 3,000 years.
Earlier in 2026, archaeologists unearthed an ancient Roman city in close proximity to the historic Appian Way, a site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage destination.
