Overview

This is an example of the densely settled area during the Roman period, which began shortly after Caesar's capturing of Gaul and lasted until the mid 3rd century AD.  There are several examples of these Villa Rusticas along the Mittelrhein and Mosel.

Location

N 50° 23.402, E 7° 32.331 Elevation 78m above sea level

Description

In 1983 during pumice mining an extensive set of foundations were found of a Roman building, which were subsequently excavated by the local Department of Archeological Research and Landmarks.  The remains of the main building were recovered of a Mid- Rhine Mosel type Roman Villa.  The building was 70 meters long and 35 meters wide. The main building consisted of two wings that were connected by a columnar walk-way, which was accessed by stairs via the main entrance.  The kitchen could be found towards the back as were other support areas.  The baths were located towards the North side of the building.  The smaller buildings surrounded an inner courtyard, which was in later years covered by a ceiling. 

The villa was equipped with the typical amenities of Roman civilization, which were common among individuals of this status, which included central heating, a bath, and water pipes.  The roof was covered with shingles and the walls were covered with light-colored plaster, which was set off by a dark base paint.  The interior walls of the rooms were covered by colorful paintings with floral ornaments and pictures based on animals from mythical sagas.

The state of the villa as excavated dates back to the 2^nd and 3^rd century AD, however, some aspects of the villa go back to the 1^st century.  But some foundations and relicts found in adjacent pits date back to the celtic era of the late Latene period (1^st century BC).  The location of this villa rustica within the landscape is typical and is situated on a decline towards Southeast with a far view of the open area of the Neuwied basin.  The Roman agricultural farms were surrounded typically by a wall, which contained additional buildings such as stables, coach houses, and barns.  These buildings were lost due to the surrounding mining of pumice.  Behind the house towards the top of the hill were the fruit and vegetable gardens.  Apparently this farm was abandoned around the fall of the Limes in 359/60 AD, which provided the main barrier from invaders from the East and was located along the heights of the Westerwald.

Context

Speculation

References

Pictures