Limes Germanicus

The Limes Germanicus was the Roman frontier system in Germania, marking the edge of Roman-controlled territory in central Europe. It consisted of a continuous defensive boundary of walls, palisades, watchtowers and forts dating mainly to the 1st through 3rd centuries AD.

Today visitors encounter archaeological sites and museum reconstructions of forts, stretches of berm and tower bases along the former frontier; interpretation panels and local museums explain Roman military organization. The reconstructed Saalburg fort is one of the best-known visitor sites and includes a museum displaying finds from the frontier.

The frontier was established and developed by the Roman Empire from the 1st century AD as a controlled boundary and supply route; it was manned by garrisoned forts and watchtowers. Over subsequent centuries the line fell into disuse and was later investigated and partially reconstructed by archaeologists.

Remains and reconstructions of the Limes are found across parts of modern Germany, running roughly between the Rhine valley in the west and the Danube region in the east; many visible sections are in Baden-Württemberg and neighbouring states. The Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Extent: The frontier known as the Limes Germanicus ran for roughly 550 kilometres from the Rhine to the Danube and comprised forts, watchtowers and palisades.

What to See #

• Saalburg Roman Fort: A well-preserved reconstructed Roman fort on the Odenwald frontier, rebuilt in the 20th century as a museum complex with walls, barracks and exhibits of Roman life.
• Watchtowers and palisade remains: Remnant linear earthworks, stone foundations and isolated watchtower bases that survive along the former limes line and can be seen at many archaeological stations.