Archaeologists recently unearthed the remains of ancient third century Roman marching camps as a first for one of Eastern Germany's larger states.
The camps were found at a site between the northern Harz Mountains and the Elbe River in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
Pictures from the site show aerials of the field, as well as a cross-section of sediment layers exposed during archaeological work.
Radiocarbon analysis determined that the camps were likely established in the early third century.
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The discovery was announced by the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt in January.
Officials say the site "documents Roman advances in the third century," providing physical archaeological evidence that had previously been missing in the region.
Saxony-Anhalt Heritage Management and Archaeology said: "Until now, concrete evidence for these campaigns had been lacking in the territory of Saxony-Anhalt.
"In particular, the highly standardised marching camps that the Roman military constructed daily after reaching a marching destination were expected."
More than 1,500 artifacts were recovered during surveys
|Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt, Anika Tauschensky
Archaeologists used metal detectors to unearth over 1,500 artifacts, including nails, coins and fragments of fibulas, or brooches.
They also uncovered remnants of V-shaped defensive ditches, a hallmark of Roman military camps used to prevent enemy entry.
The heritage group added: "These are the northeastern-most Roman camps in free Germania identified to date.
"The discoveries represent an archaeological sensation, made possible largely through volunteer heritage conservators and modern remote-sensing technology."
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The newly identified site lies between the northern Harz Mountains and the Elbe River
|GeoBasis-DE / LVermGeo ST, Datenlizenz Deutschland – Namensnennung
Rome made repeated attempts to push its frontier into what is now Germany, but never succeeded in fully conquering or holding the territory - by the third century, however, Roman armies advanced further into Germanic territory.
"From the third century onward, major changes occurred in the Germanic region, with new tribal confederations posing a serious threat to the Roman Empire," the group continued.
"Written sources provide only a limited picture of Roman military campaigns in inner Germania, making archaeological discoveries particularly important.
"Until now, Saxony-Anhalt lacked structural evidence of Roman troop movements toward the Elbe, especially marching camps."
The picturesque Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, where the remains were discovered
|Visit Germany
The latest discoveries join a list of other recent Roman-era finds in Germany.
Last summer, excavators found a mysterious Roman-era settlement site in North Rhine-Westphalia, complete with building remains and artifacts.
In January, German officials discovered a hoard of Roman coins that was recently seized by authorities, years after a metal detectorist found them.