Roman Watchtower 12/11

The Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes, with a length of 550 km from Eining near Regensburg to Rheinbrohl on the Rhine, is the largest archaeological monument in Germany and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Limes (Latin: border path/wall) refers to the border fortifications of the Roman Empire, which were erected towards the end of the 1st century AD.

This border was monitored by more than 900 towers, which were built in timber construction during the initial phase, starting around 80 AD. Stone towers followed, which were plastered from 150 AD onwards. Excavations have shown that the white plaster often had cracked joints, which were painted in terracotta. This created the impression of beautiful ashlar masonry.

The Limes hiking trail first leads to the left and then partly steeply uphill. After about 1 km, you reach the hill with the restored foundations of WP 12/11, with a square base of 4.5 x 4.5 m north of the Götzenmühle.

The thickness of the wall varies between 0.95 and 1.1 m. Strong layers of burning found inside indicate the destruction of the tower by a fire.

In 1877, the preserved tower foundations were uncovered. Further excavations took place in 1885 and 1887. At that time, the masonry was still preserved to a height of 1.60 m. Because no door entrance could be found during these investigations, this tower site is clear evidence that access to the towers was on the first floor.

In Roman times, there must have been an excellent long-distance view from this highest elevation of the "Eberrainwasen", as the forest in the area of the border line was completely cleared.