Archaeologists Unearth Roman Votive Monument Fragments at Hechingen-Stein!
Archaeologists have made an incredible discovery at the Roman Open-Air Museum in Hechingen-Stein, unearthing over 100 fragments believed to be part of an ancient votive monument. These artefacts offer a rare glimpse into Roman religious practices and artistic expression, deepening our understanding of life in this agricultural complex.
The museum itself showcases the remains of a villa rustica, a grand Roman agricultural estate that dates back to the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD. This estate featured the pars urbana—the main residence of the landowner—and the pars rustica, which extended across the farming lands and included various supporting buildings. The villa rustica was originally discovered in 1973 by Gerd Schollian, the then-mayor of Stein, and has since become an invaluable archaeological site. Excavations officially began in 1978, led by the Tübingen branch of the monument office, unearthing not only the main structures but also baths and surrounding infrastructure.
Photo Credit: State Office for Monument Preservation in the Stuttgart Regional Council
Since 1992, teams have returned to the site each year, gradually uncovering further sections of the estate, including farm buildings and boundary walls. Now, recent excavations led by the State Office for Monument Preservation (LAD) within the Stuttgart Regional Council and the Hechingen-Stein Roman Open-Air Museum Association have uncovered an exciting new layer to this site: fragments of a votive monument decorated with depictions of Roman gods.
Dr. Klaus Kortüm from LAD commented on the structure, explaining that “the monument originally comprised several stacked stone blocks, each adorned with reliefs on all sides that showcase gods and legendary figures.” After the Roman era, however, the monument was dismantled, resulting in fragments of various sizes that were scattered around the site.
Photo Credit: State Office for Monument Preservation in the Stuttgart Regional Council
To aid in reconstructing this historical marvel, the team is using advanced technology, creating scaled-down replicas of each fragment through 3D printing. These models will help archaeologists assemble a visual representation of the monument, giving visitors to the museum a chance to experience how it may have originally appeared.
Despite these breakthroughs, mysteries remain. Archaeologists are still piecing together the story behind the monument: who commissioned it, and what was the occasion for its dedication? Answers to these questions may further reveal the significance of this site and its role in Roman cultural and religious practices.
As the Hechingen-Stein museum continues its annual excavation tradition, discoveries like this votive monument enrich our understanding of the Roman era and inspire curiosity about life in this fascinating historical landscape.