Further excavations identified a rectangular structure. It has a smaller central chamber, which is surrounded by walls of considerable thickness. One side of the central chamber appears to have been open or perhaps closed by a wooden gate that no longer exists.
The remains of a Roman temple have been discovered by archaeologists in the Taunus region of Germany. According to experts, the discovery is particularly significant, as it still contains well-preserved foundations and fragments of statues of ancient deities.
Storm damage revealed an unusual alignment of stones, which formed part of a previously unknown settlement, near the Roman fort of Kapersburg in Hesse.
Further excavations identified a rectangular structure. It has a smaller central chamber, which is surrounded by walls of considerable thickness. One side of the central chamber appears to have been open or perhaps closed by a wooden gate that no longer exists.
"We were absolutely thrilled," said Katharina Griesshaber from the Saalburg State Museum of the discovery. "Finding such beautiful Roman walls is truly an extraordinary discovery."
There, archaeologists also found fragments of statues, including a hand of a deity, which may represent the Roman god of war, Mars, as well as animal fragments. A nearly complete bust of a goddess, identified as the Roman goddess of victory, includes wings, a palm branch and a laurel wreath of victory. These objects may shed light on how people worshipped at the time, as gifts were often offered in exchange for divine assistance.
A votive stone found in the temple chamber, with an inscription in Latin, is currently undergoing further examination by specialists.
The temple is thought to have been erected sometime during the 3rd century AD, when the nearby fortress of Kapersburg was founded as part of the Roman Empire's frontier. An ornament found near the temple dates to late antiquity, indicating that it may have been in use even after the Roman military occupation had ended.
Experts hope to learn more about the lives, beliefs and ultimate disappearance of the people who inhabited this ancient Roman settlement through these findings, potentially including the name of the settlement itself.
(Taken from ArtNews)