Roth, Sarah
Vicus Aurelianus: Das römische Öhringen
Öhringen around 200 AD: Several hundred soldiers in two forts guard the nearby Limes. Their families, traders and craftsmen live in the surroundings of the military camps. The settlement – named vicus Aurelianus – is an important sentinel of the Roman Empire on the border with the Germanic tribes. The importance of the site has been recognized by archaeology already during the 18th century. Christian Ernst Hanßelmann, one of the pioneers of archaeology of the Roman provinces, led the first excavations. He uncovered wall sections and recovered coins, ceramics, inscriptions and other finds. The Romans are still present in Öhringen today. The UNESCO World Heritage of the Roman Limes, the Weygang Museum, the Limes Views and the State Horticultural Show in 2016: We are reminded of the vicus Aurelianus in many ways.