Roman Castle Arnsburg (Lich)

The fort's origins date back to the second half of the 1st century under Emperor Domitian, when it was built during the Germanic Wars. Initially conceived as a wood-and-earth camp, it was expanded into a fortified fort around 90 AD, following the typical Roman rectangular plan with four gates and a total of 16 towers. It accommodated a cohort of about 600 soldiers and included stone interior buildings such as the headquarters, the commander's residence, and granaries. Located on a plateau, it allowed for monitoring of the Limes. In the 3rd century, further fortifications were added. Between 250 and 260 AD, the Romans abandoned the Limes and thus also Fort Arnsburg. In the 12th century, Benedictine monks attempted to establish a monastery on the site, using material from the abandoned fort, but gave up the project after a short time. Later, the Cistercian monastery of Arnsburg was built nearby.