Roman bridgehead fort discovered in Austria

[guy]

 

Along the Danube River in Austria, two miles from the Roman legionary fortress of Carnuntum, the “Desolate Castle” (known as “Odes Schloss” in Austria) has been under investigation. It has been confirmed to have been a Roman bridgehead fort, and the nearly nine-foot-tall tower walls are now confirmed to be part of the fort.

Experts believe the vital trade route connecting the Roman Empire with the Baltic Region, known as the Amber Road, crossed the Danube at this location.

 

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But what exactly is a bridgehead fort? Usually built on the opposite side of a border river, they had the task of monitoring river crossings that were considered strategically important. From these bases, Roman troops were able to observe both the passage across the Danube and the surrounding countryside. Particularly along the Danube Limes, such installations were important for Roman border defense and the control of trade routes.

 

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The excavation in the Hainburger Au brought to light remarkably well-preserved wall structures. Particularly impressive are the parts of the fort walls that are preserved up to 2.65 metres high. The scientific investigations show that the fort was built in two phases. The first phase dates back to around 170/180 AD, when Emperor Marcus Aurelius had the Roman border reinforced against the Germanic tribes during the Marcomannic Wars. In a second construction phase around the year 260 AD, the complex was refaced under Emperor Gallienus, but with the gradual loss of Carnuntum's importance, the number of troops also declined.

 

 

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The archaeological finds include stamped bricks from legionary units XIV and XV, coins, pottery and some small bronze finds.

 

 

 

https://www.oeaw.ac.at/en/oeai/media/news-archive/news-detail/carnuntum-fort

 

https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/roman-fort-austria-0022031#

 

 

Edited Tuesday at 05:23 PM by guy