OSAKA — Researchers have recently discovered fragments of roof tiles within the grounds of Todaiji Temple in Nara that suggest the existence of another temple dating back to the early eighth century.

Shinji Yoshikawa, a historian at Kyoto University, and Tetsuo Hishida, a Kyoto Prefectural University archaeologist, said they discovered the tile fragments, about 100 pieces, by accident during a survey of the Todaiji grounds.

The fragments indicate the existence of a temple that could possibly be the forerunner of Todaiji, they said.