About "as " in the sentence

[paula]

Hi,

In the following sentence :

As with the past discoveries, the finding of the wall is causing ripples in academic circles.


I can figure out the meaing of the sentence, but how do you explain the usage of " As with the past discoveries," grammatically? at least, paraphrase it. thanks a lot!

paula

[Casiopea]

Comparative:

As (is/was the case) with the past discoveries, (the same holds true for present discoveries), the finding of the wall is causing ripples in academic circles.