Roman Watchtower 8/25

The 4.65 x 4.65 meter stone tower, already excavated by Christ in 1880, was only fully investigated by Schumacher. The structure, erected 17.10 meters behind the palisade, was still in very good condition at that time. Its masonry still had a height of 0.60 to one meter. In contrast to most other towers along the route, this structure had not yet been disturbed internally. Thus, Schumacher could still clearly recognize the layers. Above the original clay floor, a 0.30 meter thick layer of burnt material was found throughout the interior of the tower, followed by a 15 cm thick layer of clay, mixed with smaller stones and debris. The definitive end of the structure was evidenced by another 0.30 meter thick layer of burnt material, above which lay building debris, masonry stones, mortar fragments, and numerous pieces of wattle and daub with rod impressions. Roof tiles or slate fragments could not be discovered, which possibly indicates a wooden shingle roof for the tower. From the older burnt layer, a coin from the reign of Emperor Commodus (180–192), a pelta fibula, and a bronze scabbard chape, part of a sword, were recovered. On the north side of the structure, at a distance of 1.50 meters, a small fence ditch was found, and 2.70 meters away, a surrounding protective ditch. Three post holes located 1.30 meters in front of the tower were attributed by Schumacher to an older wooden tower that might have stood there previously. The tower, which was already conserved by Schumacher, was completely dismantled and rebuilt during the new conservation in 2005 without the involvement of monument preservation.