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Ancient Temple to Roman God Unearthed Beneath Forest Floor
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- Archaeologists have discovered a small Roman temple likely dedicated to the war god Mars near the Taunus Mountains north of Frankfurt, dating back to the second century AD.
- The temple features a rectangular structure with a three-walled inner chamber thought to be a walk-around prayer room, supported by a Latin inscription and sculpture fragments of Mars and Victoria.
- The site is part of the Kapersburg military fort and adjacent settlement, which housed about 160 troops and up to 700 civilians before being abandoned in the third century AD.
- Recent environmental factors like drought and storms have exposed various ancient remains, including blacksmith pits and grain-drying ovens, as well as a piece of jewelry indicating the shrine's use extended beyond the Roman garrison's presence.
- Researchers are currently translating another votive inscription that may reveal the name of the ancient village associated with the temple.
