Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a Roman temple in Germany’s Taunus region, complete with well-preserved foundations and fragments of statues depicting ancient deities.
The discovery was made near the Roman fort of Kapersburg, close to Rosbach vor der Höhe in Hesse, where archaeologists have been investigating an extensive Roman settlement revealed after storm damage opened up part of the surrounding forest.
What initially appeared to be an unusual arrangement of stones beneath the forest floor has now been identified as a religious building dating from the Roman period.
Excavations revealed a rectangular structure about five metres long, with a smaller central chamber surrounded by walls approximately 50 centimetres thick.
District archaeologist Kai Mückenberger, a specialist in the Roman Limes, identified the structure as a temple.
“This is a temple,” he said after examining the remains.
Statues of Roman gods discovered
Further evidence of the building’s religious function emerged beneath the rubble, where archaeologists discovered fragments of statues.
Among the finds was the hand of a deity, possibly representing Mars, as well as fragments of animals and the almost complete torso of a goddess.
The female figure has been identified as Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. Surviving details include wings, a palm branch and a victory laurel.
Katharina Grießhaber of the Saalburg State Museum described the discovery of the exceptionally well-preserved foundations as a highlight of the excavation.
“We were absolutely thrilled,” she said. “Finding such beautiful Roman walls is a real highlight.”
The numerous religious objects may reflect the way Romans interacted with their gods through offerings. Worshippers frequently promised gifts in return for divine assistance or gave offerings after a request was believed to have been fulfilled.
Temple may have survived beyond the Roman fort
Archaeologists believe the sanctuary may have been an ambulatory temple, consisting of a central sacred chamber surrounded by a covered walkway.
One side of the central chamber appears to have been open, possibly closed by a wooden gate or grille that has not survived.
The temple probably existed during the third century AD, when the nearby Kapersburg fort formed part of Rome’s frontier system in Germania.
Intriguingly, evidence suggests that the sanctuary may have remained in use after Roman soldiers left the area. A piece of jewellery dating from late antiquity was discovered immediately beside the temple, potentially indicating that people continued visiting the site after the military occupation had ended.
Inscription could reveal village’s lost name
A votive stone bearing an inscription in Latin characters was recovered from the temple chamber and is now being studied by specialists.
Archaeologists hope the inscription could provide new information about the sanctuary and the people who worshipped there. It may even reveal the ancient name of the Roman settlement beside Kapersburg, which remains unknown.
The temple is the latest significant discovery at a site that has already produced the remains of an extensive Roman village.
What began with storm damage in a Taunus forest has consequently opened an unusual archaeological window onto the lives, beliefs and eventual disappearance of a Roman frontier community nearly 1,700 years ago.
Sources : HS
