Following the earthquake of A.D. 250 and the destruction of the settlement of Augusta Raurica in A.D. 260 by the Alemanni, the Romans attempted to maintain the border by building a military camp in the locale of Augusta Raurica. Named Castra Rauracense, it became the heart of a much smaller settlement.
Walking down to see the ruins of the camp (it is in the center of modern Kaiseraugust):
A sign showing a view of the walls, gate towers, and gate:
Roman soldier of the later Augusta Raurica settlement period:
Down to the Rhine. Barring the modern conveniences of boats and houses, this is probably what soldiers in the 3rd Century A.D. saw:
A tough combination to go against, earthquakes and local tribes vs. a fading Empire. Romans did know how build though TB.
ReplyDeleteNylon12, the Rhine was considered a major border, and thus reinforcing it at all costs would have been high on the Roman strategy list.
DeleteIt still amazes me we have so much of what they built.