Sensational finds: Archaeologists discover Roman treasures in Haltern!

Sensational finds: Archaeologists discover Roman treasures in Haltern!

There are new, exciting archaeological discoveries in the Ruhr area that sharpen our view of the past. Archaeologists from the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL) have unearthed significant finds during excavation work for the construction of the Laurentius Campus in Haltern am See. The study area, which covers around 8,200 square meters, is located on the edge of the former Roman camp in Haltern and was processed by a specialized company, accompanied by LWL Archeology for Westphalia. Excavation manager Dr. Martha Zur-Schaepers reports on classes that were strongly influenced by Roman activities.

Particularly noteworthy are the finds of a deep pit that extends up to three meters into the ground. Here the researchers came across two storage trenches as well as well-preserved pairs of posts from a wood-earth wall and an oven, which provide valuable information about life in Roman times. Military relics were also discovered, including a spear shoe and nails from legionnaires' boots, which indicate the military presence in this region. Everyday objects such as eating and cooking utensils as well as Augustan coins also found their way to the surface. A unique find is a Terra Rubra shard, which is part of the very rare “Belgian ware” and is arousing the interest of historians and archaeologists alike. DerWesten reports that these discoveries further enrich the picture of Roman history in the region.

Important finds in Delbrück-Bentfeld

But not only in Haltern am See, but also in Delbrück-Bentfeld, near Paderborn, archaeologists have brought exciting relics to light during their excavations. Since November 2024, over 400 archaeological findings have been discovered, including traces of buildings, two pit houses, post pits, two wells and a cremation grave dating to the 4th or 5th century. In this grave lies a Roman military belt buckle, which indicates possible contact between the settlers of the time and Roman culture.

The discovery of the cremation grave is particularly remarkable as it is the first documented burial in East Westphalia with parts of a Roman military belt. A well-preserved well structure from the migration period was also found, the well tube of which has a diameter of over one meter and is made from three parts of a tree trunk. Interesting finds such as wood, leather and even an insect wing were discovered in the well's cover. Ruhr24 highlights that the well tube may have served as a cremation site, as evidenced by traces of burned bones and glass beads, which are interpreted as burial offerings can.

Expansion of the archaeological holdings

These finds not only expand our knowledge of Roman settlement, but also contribute to the enrichment of archaeological collections. The archaeological collection in the Ruhrmuseum has its foundation in the Historical Association of the City and Abbey of Essen, which was founded in 1880. The collection now includes over 50,000 objects from different eras and cultures, many of which were obtained through important excavations. Ruhrmuseum shows that active research and the acquisition of objects after the Second World War, especially high cultural artifacts, further expanded the collection.

The current finds from Haltern and Delbrück are therefore not only of great importance for science, but they also bring a breath of fresh air into the public perception of Roman history in North Rhine-Westphalia. It remains exciting to see what other treasures are dug out of the earth and what stories they have to tell.