Volunteers working near Carlisle have uncovered what experts have hailed as a "once-in-a-generation" archaeological find.
During a three-week excavation at Drumburgh, roughly 10 miles from the city, the diggers unveiled a section of Hadrian's Wall.
The Roman structure once straddled the border between the northern extent of the ancient empire and Caledonia, now Scotland.
Construction began on the herculean project in 122AD, intended to defend the province of Britannia from roving invaders, with this new section having remained hidden for 2,000 years.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The western section of the wall has largely now been lost to time, making this latest find particularly significant.
Archaeologist Mark Graham, of the archaeology group Grampus and Heritage Training, said the find confirmed the accuracy of geophysical surveys that had suggested where the wall ran.
He called the incredible find a "once-in-a-generation discovery".
"(A section of) Wall like this has not been seen here in our lifetime," the amazed archaeologist added.
Volunteer archaeologists have uncovered a 'once-in-a-generation' discovery at Hadrian's Wall
|GETTY
Mr Graham explained that the protected nature of the ancient wall meant the operation had to proceed with caution.
He said: "When you put a trench in the ground, especially at a protected monument, you feel like you've got one shot at it and that was our shot to find the wall.
"We weren't expecting to find stone in the ground because it was all later recycled, so to even find a course of the wall was enough.”
“But then to find a stone wall four courses high is just incredible,” he glowed.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
250 locals gathered to see the 'incredible' find
|Grampus and Heritage Training
An open day was held to view the new section, such was the importance of the find for both Roman and local history.
Around 250 people joined the volunteers at the event to marvel at the piece of ancient British history.
"We want local people to see it," Mr Graham explained as he revealed the discovery is already paying dividends for Drumburgh.
Previously, while this section remained hidden, ramblers visiting the area would often inquire where the wall was.
The wall was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian 2,000 years ago
|GETTY
“People in the village are often asked by walkers where the wall is. Of course, there was never anything to see.
“Now at least we can say it is there,” Mr Graham reported happily.
It is now the only find to be uncovered near Hadrian's Wall this year, as a striking Roman stone relief depicting the winged goddess of victory was unearthed in May.
A couple, who have been volunteering at the site for 21 years, discovered the ancient carving whilst clearing rubble at the Vindolanda Roman fort site near Hexham, Northumberland.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter