Roman Watchtower 14/65

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.

Approximately 600 m further lie the foundations of the 6.4 x 5.6 m stone tower, also restored by the Nuremberg Natural History Society but now dilapidated again, standing 18 m behind the Rhaetian Wall. Two fire pits were also uncovered inside it. To the east of it lies the well-preserved, almost 2 m high wooden tower mound.