Roman fort traces found in Aachen, Germany!
A recent excavation in Aachen, Germany, has unveiled fascinating traces of a Roman fort, shedding light on the city's rich history dating back to the 1st century AD. Archaeologists from ArcheoConsult made the remarkable discovery during ongoing excavations, revealing remnants of what was once a significant Roman presence in the area.
Photo Credit: Stadt Aachen / Stefan Herrman
Aachen, known as Aquae Granni in Roman times, derived its name from the abundant thermal springs that characterized the region. "Aquae" meaning water and "Granni" referring to the pagan deity of healing, Grannus. Despite longstanding suspicions of a Roman fort in Aachen, it wasn't until extensive excavations between 2011 and 2014 that concrete evidence of its existence emerged.
Recent construction activities aimed at installing housing utility pipes provided an unexpected opportunity for further exploration, leading to the uncovering of a seven-metre stone wall believed to be part of the fort's exterior fortifications. Dr. Donata Kyritz from ArcheoConsult elaborated on the findings, noting the visible traces of the fort's foundation and a row of ashlar masonry, hinting at the fort's dimensions from approximately two millennia ago.
Historical records suggest that Aachen faced destruction during Frankish raids around AD 275 to 276, prompting the construction of a castrum—a fortified military camp—reinforced with stone walls and circular towers, situated in the area of the present-day market mill. These fortifications later served Charlemagne, with his King's Hall, now the site of the town hall, built upon the fort's southern perimeter. The fort's walls endured until the 12th century, when they were dismantled to accommodate the expansion of medieval Aachen.
Photo Credit: Stadt Aachen / Stefan Herrmann
Efforts to preserve this archaeological treasure are underway, with discussions ongoing to ensure the careful treatment and documentation of the findings. Once the archaeological assessments are complete, construction activities at the site will resume as planned, marking a harmonious blend of preserving the past while embracing the present development needs.
The discovery of the Roman fort in Aachen adds another layer to the city's multifaceted history, serving as a poignant reminder of its ancient roots and the resilience of its inhabitants across the ages.