 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
|
Document Details : Title: Die Rekonstruktion der Holz-Erde-Mauer des Römerlagers Oberaden Author(s): PETERSE, Kees Journal: BABESCH Volume: 85 Date: 2010 Pages: 141-177 DOI: 10.2143/BAB.85.0.2059893 Abstract : The aim of this research is to reconstruct the outer appearance of the defences of the Bergkamen-Oberaden legionary fortress. The research project was prompted by plans for a full scale reconstruction of part of the northern defences in situ, comprising a 40 meters long section of the rampart as well as two interval towers. For this reason, the research focuses both on the rampart and the interval towers. Other elements of the fortress’ defence system, such as the gates, will be addressed in future research. Within the group of military defences built in the North-western region of the Roman empire during the Augustan era and the following century, the ground traces found in Oberaden follow a common pattern. This ‘footprint’ indicates that the rampart consisted of an earthen wall raised between two vertically placed revetments made of timber (i.e. Holz-Erde-Mauer). What the rampart and the interval towers looked like in more detail was examined through an analysis of a variety of sources ranging from ground traces and material remains of the Oberaden defences and of other sites, to information provided by literary sources such as Caesar and Vegetius. The relatively rare remains of the wooden revetment found in Oberaden en Valkenburg were particularly helpful. Considerations regarding the function of the defences and reflections on structural aspects and building practice also played a significant role in the reconstruction process. |
|
