Roman Castle Buch

The origins of the Buch fort date back to the mid-2nd century AD. Dendrochronological studies of wood from the civilian settlement and the Limes palisade date their construction to between 161 and 169 AD, with the palisade construction narrowed down to the early 160s. It is presumed that the Buch fort served as a successor to the older Opia fort on the Alblimes, and its garrison was transferred here. The 2.1-hectare, approximately rectangular complex was oriented eastward towards the Jagst valley and featured a 1.2-meter-wide stone rampart made of local sandstone with rounded corners and four gates, each flanked by two towers. Between the corner towers and gates were eight intermediate towers. A quadruple ditch protected the fortification. Inside the fort, excavations revealed weapons and other military equipment, suggesting an armory.

The Roman Fort of Buch is situated in Buch, a district of the municipality of Rainau in the Ostalbkreis, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is located at an elevation of approximately 457 meters above sea level.

Today, visitors can explore the remains of the Roman fort. The foundations of the thermal baths and two adjacent buildings of the civilian settlement (Vicus) are freely accessible on the shore of the reservoir. The outlines of the headquarters building are traced by a gravel threshold, and a 1:200 scale model illustrates the complex. Parts of the fort wall are reconstructed or indicated by an earth wall and a hedge. Trees mark the locations of the former towers. Information boards explain the history and significance of the site, which is part of the Limes-Park Rainau.

• Roman Fort Buch-Bad (Ancient Structures), approx. 0.2 km away
• Roman Watchtower 12/77 (Ancient Structures), approx. 1.3 km away
• Roman Gate Dalkingen (Ancient Structures), approx. 2.1 km away
• Wagenhofen Castle (Castle), approx. 2.9 km away