Wooden Cellar from the Roman Period found in Frankfurt
In a fascinating archaeological discovery, researchers from the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum have recently unearthed a remarkably well-preserved wooden cellar in Frankfurt, Germany. This cellar, belonging to a Roman residential house, provides a captivating glimpse into the past, shedding light on the lifestyle and challenges faced by the inhabitants of Nida during the Roman period.
Photo Credit: Frankfurt Archaeological Museum
During the Roman era, the present-day districts of Heddernheim and Praunheim formed the Roman town of Nida. At its peak in AD 110, Nida stood as the largest town along the Limes and became the capital of the Civitas Taunensium. With a population of approximately 10,000 residents, the town's prosperity faced a decline around AD 259 due to the Alemanni's conquest of the Agri Decumates region.
The recent archaeological excavation targeted the southern side of the Roman town's two main streets, known as platea praetoria. Amidst the remains of a Roman residential house, researchers uncovered a well-preserved wooden cellar, offering a unique window into the daily lives of ancient Nida's inhabitants.
The wooden cellar, protected over the centuries, revealed intriguing artifacts and clues about its demise. Charred beams, charcoal, and fire debris scattered throughout the cellar hinted at a destructive fire during antiquity. The intensity of the blaze was so great that tools were found abandoned on the cellar stairs, and a partially melted glass jar spoke volumes about the ferocity of the flames.
The excavation team also unearthed various objects, including ceramic and glass vessels, as well as metal artifacts. To delve deeper into the history encapsulated within the discovery, the archaeologists plan to analyze these materials meticulously. Notably, the team employed advanced preservation techniques, using synthetic resins, silicon rubber, and gypsum laminates to transport the cellar intact for further study.
This find is not the first of its kind in Roman Nida, as similar wooden cellars with fire debris have been discovered in the past century. However, what sets this discovery apart is its exceptional preservation and the application of modern excavation methods, allowing researchers to glean more insights into the ancient Roman way of life.
The unveiling of this well-preserved wooden cellar in Frankfurt adds a new chapter to the ongoing story of Roman Nida. As archaeologists delve into the artifacts and analyze the structural remains, we can anticipate a richer understanding of the challenges and triumphs experienced by the residents of this ancient Roman town.
Photo Credit: Frankfurt Archaeological Museum