The Lahn River as a Link Between the Roman Empire and the Germanic Peoples

The primary objective of this project is the archaeological exploration of the lower Lahn Valley, focusing on its historical role as a connecting axis between the Roman Empire and the Germanic peoples.

Since 2012, the State Directorate for Archaeology in Rhineland-Palatinate has conducted systematic geophysical surveys in the northern part of the region. These investigations led to the discovery of a previously unknown Roman military camp near Lahnstein, covering approximately 8 hectares. Initial small-scale excavations were carried out by the State Archaeology Service. Additionally, aerial archaeological surveys uncovered another military camp, around 3 hectares in size, further upstream near Bad Ems.

These new military findings strongly suggest that the Lahn River played a significant role during the Roman Empire as a strategic and cultural corridor between the Empire and the neighboring northeastern Germanic territories. While this had been presumed for certain upstream areas (such as the Caesarian camp near Limburg-Eschhofen and the Augustan base near Waldgirmes), until now, no concrete evidence had confirmed the strategic importance of the lower Lahn.

The final aim of this research project is to fundamentally reassess the significance of the lower Lahn Valley between 50 BCE and the second century CE. The findings will be published both in academic journals and in popular science publications to reach a broader audience.