A prolonged drought in Northern Europe has caused the Rhine River to reach historic lows, revealing the remains of 2nd-century Roman maritime infrastructure. Archaeologists have identified several 'supply hubs'—timber and stone wharves that once served the Roman military frontier (Limes). Also discovered were three well-preserved fluvial merchant ships, or praams, still containing amphorae filled with remnants of grain, olive oil, and fermented fish sauce destined for the legionary camps.
The preservation of the timber foundations is exceptional due to their long immersion in anaerobic river silt. Researchers are racing to map the sites using LiDAR drones before water levels return to normal. This discovery provides critical new data on the logistics of the Roman Empire's northern supply chains and the environmental conditions of the Rhine valley during the peak of the Roman Warm Period.