Students may have discovered the remains of a Roman brewery during an archaeological dig.
Teams of students from University College, London, were asked to study a site off Roundstone Lane, Angmering, near Worthing, before hundreds of houses were built.
They dug trenches and found a flint-lined rectangular shaft which was probably used as a corn-drying oven. But experts believe it could alternatively have been used for malting, in the beer-making process.
John Mills, an archaeologist for West Sussex County Council, said the finds were still being assessed so it was too soon to be certain.
Archaeologists also found an urn containing the cremated remains of a Roman, plus several coins. There was also evidence of cultivation, suggesting there may have been a Roman farm in the area.
Mr Mills said the Romans imported wine and made their own, but also drank beer in colder climates. He said: "We are waiting for an interim report on everything that has been found."
The remains of an ancient timber building were found, plus evidence of Bronze Age settlement, including pottery.
Mr Mills said: "The ground has been ploughed for the last 3,000 years or more, which has affected the remaining archaeological features."
Experts have now turned their attention to the proposed route of the Angmering bypass to the east of the village.
Up to a hectare of land will be examined before the road is built, which will cut across a lane near the Spotted Cow pub.
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