Hedemünden (Lkr. Göttingen) – more than a Roman military camp

Abstract

In 2003, a Roman military camp of the Augustan period was discovered in the Werra valley at Hedemünden (Lkr. Göttingen). Surveys and trial excavations throughout ten years showed that the partly well preserved complex was a multipartite logistic base. The location refers to the crossing of an overland route with the shippable river of the Werra (the upper part of the Weser river). The dating of around 11/10-8/7 BC suggests an association with the Drusus campaigns from Mainz into the region to the East of the Rhine. The fortification of the central areas I and II and the recognisable traces of wooden buildings and tents allow us to assume a permanent camp. The archaeological finds consisting of metal objects (mostly iron), pottery sherds, quern fragments and palaeo botanic remains present the typical range reflecting day-to-day life in a military camp. Within no more than 5 km a further smaller fortified camp and an isolated small fortification from the same period are also testified to; this is complemented by first indications for surrounding marching camps. Altogether, this can be interpreted as a local network of Roman military presence during the early occupation period.