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Each auxiliary soldier is equipped with a chain armor which is worn over a tunic skirt, trousers made of leather or cloth, a scarf, shoes with nailed soles, and a helmet. Additionally, they have a sword, a dagger, a shield, and several types of spears. Photo: Vindelikerkohorte
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Remains
of a conduit. The advanced technology prevented the break-out of
epidemics. Photo: S. Theby |
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The empire rearms
In order to gain control over the border, the Romans are building some 120 forts along the Limes. 49 of them emerge in Hesse.
The forts’ sizes in the Sate of Hesse are varying quite considerably. At inaccessible highlands like the Taunus or the Odenwald mountains, it is not very likely that Germanic tribes will attack. Therefore, only small forts have to be built, allowing space to 150 men. Open terrains, then again, are dominated by larger forts, hosting 500 to 1.000 soldiers on an expanse of up to twelve soccer fields.
Consecrated to The Emperor’s
Cult
The type of building coverage is quite coherent
among all the forts in the Roman Empire. Relocated troops from other parts
of the empire shall easily find their way in their new domicile. In the
first years of the Roman occupancy, the fort-surrounding walls are made
of wood. Later on, they are substituted for battlemented stone walls with
a height of four to five meters, backed up from the rear with a dike that
leads up to the guard’s walkway. Moreover, the fortification is
surrounded by one or two ditches. The forts are not ought to be an insurmountable
obstacle against enemy aggressors, though. The walls are comparatively
low; Roman city walls, for instance, are much higher. The actual power
of the forts is based on the troops’ remarkable fighting strength.
Two main streets are crossing the fort. One is connecting the side gates, the other one leads from the main portal right into the fort’s center. Both the streets cross each other in the Hall of Appeal, which is part of the garrison’s headquarter facilities. Within those, there are several rooms with different functions to be found, as the armoury, the cash office, an orderly room, and the Flag Sanctuary. The latter, however, is the fort’s most important room—it is the place where the troop’s ensigns and an effigy of the current emperor are kept. At some forts, there is even a temple to be found, which is dedicated to the god Mithras. This ancient hermetic cult is quite popular among Roman soldiers, so similar temples are numerously popping up in the town centers as well.
Most of the area in the fort is reserved for the soldiers’ accommodation. Their buildings have a length of up to seventy meters, and house ten rooms for eight persons each. Apart from the obligatory beds, those rooms contain a fireplace which is not only used for heating the domicile, but for cooking also. In front of the main room, there is another small room which serves as a storage for clothing and further equipment. The remaining space within the fort is built-up with sanitary facilities, a granary, and some workshops, which provide a more or less independent status of the fort.
The fort as an attractive neighbour
The internal craftsmen are not able to accomplish
all of the work which has to be done. As a result, small villages are
emerging next to the forts. Its inhabitants, which are partly relatives
of the soldiers in the fort, benefit from the military’s purchasing
power. In case that the fort is abandoned, the village will be left as
well. The houses are built next to the street which is the busiest one.
The houses’ faces have a width of not more than seven meters, but
their length can easily reach some forty meters, having shops in their
fronts, and apartments at the back.
Larger villages have a hotel for guests of the fort’s commander, and an own marketplace. Even amphitheaters are built at particular places, being a popular amusement among both the military and the citizens. The soldiers’ morale is additionally boosted by their right of having baths at their disposal. Bath-houses exist next to literally every fort, regardless of the size. As to be seen at the Saalburg Fort, those bath-houses are mostly built between the village and the fort on a sunny spot.
Being a Roman soldier can turn out to be quite advantageous indeed. Apart from the regular salary and boarding, the possible obtainment of the Roman citizenship is a good argument—even if it can only be obtained after 25 years of serving. Regarding this, it is no big deal that the troops at the Limes are auxiliaries without exception, and that they exclusively consist of enlisted men only, mostly being of local origin. During the downfall of the Limes and the forts, this consistency of the troops is not exactly advantageous: The indigenous soldiers have better plans than getting slain by their fellow countrymen, which are reclaiming their old home. Eventually, the forts are not defended, but abandoned without a struggle.
Continue with: Many ways lead to the Limes
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