Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Roman Temple Likely Dedicated to Mars Discovered in Germany

Archaeologists in Germany have unearthed the remains of a Roman temple, believed to be dedicated to Mars, the god of war. The structure was found just beneath the forest floor near Frankfurt.

The rectangular temple, measuring about 16 feet long, may have featured a smaller, three-walled central chamber surrounded by covered walkways. Researchers found an inscription and a statue fragment possibly depicting Mars, along with a statuette likely representing Victoria, the goddess of victory.

The discovery was made during excavations of the Kapersburg fort, a Roman military fortification dating to the second century C.E., and its adjacent settlement, known as a 'vicus'. The fort was likely built under Emperors Trajan or Hadrian and was occupied by the Numerus Nidensium military unit for about 150 years.

The Kapersburg fort and its vicus were part of the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes, a UNESCO World Heritage site that marked the Roman Empire's border. The site's location in wooded foothills has preserved structures and artifacts.

Recent excavations focused on the settlement after environmental factors cleared forest cover. In addition to the temple, archaeologists found evidence of craft activities like blacksmith pits and baking ovens, suggesting the area served as a transition zone between the fort and the settlement.

A piece of jewelry from a later period found near the temple indicates continued use of the site after the Roman military left. Researchers are currently deciphering a Latin inscription from within the temple chamber, which may provide more details about the ancient village.

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