Frontiers of the Roman Empire in Germany

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Housesteads Roman Fort (Hadrian's Wall) (English Heritage)
Map of Hadrian's Wall (MAGIC Map server)
Roman Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum (Vindolanda Trust)
Historic Scotland
Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads Fort (National Trust)
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
Hadrian's Wall Heritage
Antonine Wall
Upper German-Raetian Limes

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1987
Size of heritage: 527 ha
- Buffer zone: 5,226 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: -1,399°
Latitude: 54,993°

Summary

The ‘Roman Limes’ represents the border line of the Roman Empire at its greatest extent in the 2nd century AD. It stretched over 5,000 km from the Atlantic coast of northern Britain, through Europe to the Black Sea, and from there to the Red Sea and across North Africa to the Atlantic coast. The remains of the Limes today consist of vestiges of built walls, ditches, forts, fortresses, watchtowers and civilian settlements. Certain elements of the line have been excavated, some reconstructed and a few destroyed. The two sections of the Limes in Germany cover a length of 550 km from the north-west of the country to the Danube in the south-east. The 118-km-long Hadrian’s Wall (UK) was built on the orders of the Emperor Hadrian c. AD 122 at the northernmost limits of the Roman province of Britannia. It is a striking example of the organization of a military zone and illustrates the defensive techniques and geopolitical strategies of ancient Rome. The Antonine Wall, a 60-km long fortification in Scotland was started by Emperor Antonius Pius in 142 AD as a defense against the “barbarians” of the north. It constitutes the northwestern-most portion of the Roman Limes.

Location on Map

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Frontiers of the Roman Empire

The Frontiers of the Roman Empire is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Germany. This site encompasses the remains of the Roman border fortifications that once marked the boundaries of the Roman Empire during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The site stretches across Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, and is a testament to the military and political power of the Roman Empire.

History

The Roman Empire, at its height, extended across vast territories, and maintaining control over these territories required the establishment of a well-defined border. The Frontiers of the Roman Empire were constructed as a series of fortifications, walls, and watchtowers to protect the empire from external threats and control the movement of people and goods.

In Germany, the Roman border fortifications were known as the Limes Germanicus. This section of the frontier stretched from the Rhine River in the west to the Danube River in the south. It served as a physical barrier against Germanic tribes and played a crucial role in maintaining Roman control over the region.

The construction of the Limes Germanicus began in the late 1st century AD and continued for several decades. The fortifications consisted of a combination of earthen walls, ditches, and wooden palisades. Over time, stone walls and watchtowers were added to strengthen the defenses. The Limes Germanicus also included a network of roads and forts that facilitated communication and troop movements along the border.

Current State

Today, the Frontiers of the Roman Empire is a well-preserved archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the military and cultural history of the Roman Empire. In Germany, the Limes Germanicus is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

The German section of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire features various archaeological sites and museums that showcase the remains of the Roman fortifications. Visitors can explore reconstructed watchtowers, walk along the ancient walls, and learn about the daily life of Roman soldiers through interactive exhibits.

One of the most significant sites along the Limes Germanicus is the Saalburg Roman Fort. Located near Frankfurt, this reconstructed fort provides a comprehensive insight into the Roman military presence in the region. The fort includes a museum that displays artifacts found during excavations, including weapons, pottery, and everyday objects.

Another notable site is the Roman Museum in Xanten, which offers a comprehensive overview of the Roman Empire's presence in the Lower Rhine region. The museum features a reconstructed Roman town, complete with a temple, amphitheater, and bathhouse.

Address
Distance: 2,6 mi
COBLE DENE ROAD
NE29 6DL NORTH SHIELDS
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

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Length: 29:15 min
Rating: 4 of 5
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Published: October 23, 2009
Length: 25:33 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: ART SPECK

Follow Hylonlad blog at: http://www.artspeck.com Just arriving at South Shields one day when we saw these kite-surfers in the sea. Be sure to have a camcorder with you to record all the...

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