Archaeologists in northern Italy have uncovered an ancient sanctuary with inscriptions in the Venetic language during road construction work in the municipality of Ponso, in the Province of Padua. The site emerged during the construction of the first section of the SR10 “Padana Inferiore” regional road between Borgo Veneto and Carceri.
The excavation is being supervised by the Italian ABAP Superintendency for the provinces of Padua, Treviso, and Belluno. Researchers say the sanctuary was already active in the pre-Roman period, likely from the 5th or 4th century BCE, and continued to hold religious importance during Roman times.
The first finds appeared during wartime ordnance clearance operations connected to the construction project. Archaeologists then launched a wider stratigraphic excavation, which soon revealed a large cultic complex.
Among the most important finds are stone objects carved with inscriptions written in Venetic and Latin characters. The Venetic language was spoken in northeastern Italy before Roman expansion into the region. Many of the inscriptions appear to be votive dedications linked to religious rituals. Some were carved on three sides of the stones, which points to a ceremonial purpose.
Researchers found many of these inscribed stones reused in a paved stone surface dating to the 1st century CE. The exact purpose of the pavement is still unclear. A smaller number of inscriptions remained in their original positions. Archaeologists believe the reuse of these older sacred stones shows the area continued to serve a religious role even as Roman cultural practices spread through the region.
As the excavation expanded, archaeologists uncovered large rectangular foundation structures identified as temples. One structure shows the characteristics of a peripteral temple, a building type surrounded by columns on all sides. The discovery suggests the sanctuary developed into a monumental religious center during later phases of use.
Evidence from the site also indicates the sanctuary was eventually buried by a major flood from the nearby Adige River, which once flowed through the area in antiquity. Researchers do not think the site was suddenly abandoned. Instead, the findings point to long-term continuity, with changes in architecture, rituals, and cultural traditions over several centuries.
The sanctuary offers a rare look at the transition between pre-Roman Venetic traditions and Roman religious life in northern Italy. The inscriptions and temple structures show how local communities adapted older sacred spaces while new political and cultural influences reshaped the region.
Excavations are still underway. Archaeologists hope further analysis will clarify how the sanctuary was organized and how the site changed through different periods of use.
More information: ABAP Superintendency for the provinces of Padua, Treviso and Belluno
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