Ancient Roman road found in Netherlands

Archaeologists in the Netherlands have uncovered what they believe is part of the hardened military road that marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire from the first century AD.

Few parts of the road, which generally followed branches of the Rhine river to Germany, have been preserved.

Excavations are continuing in other European countries and the UN is considering declaring the road a world heritage site.

The current find was made in the city of Houten, six miles south-east of Utrecht.

“It’s in very good condition,” said Houten city spokeswoman Marloes van Kessel, adding that it had been covered again with soil to keep it from decaying while archaeologists consider what to do next.

The road was believed to have connected two forts: Fectio (modern Vechten) and Traiectum (now encompassed by modern Utrecht).

It was uncovered by train company Prorail during preparations to add extra rail lines in the area.