Archaeologists in Germany have found a temple to Mars, the god of war, next to a Roman Empire military encampment.
Archaeologists have discovered a temple dedicated to the Roman god of war Mars near the Kapersburg fort in Hesse, about 26 kilometers north of Frankfurt. Fragments of a dedicatory inscription were found in the structure, part of which has already been translated: the text confirms that the temple was dedicated to Mars, Live Science reports.
Statues of Mars and Victoria
According to archaeologist Kai Mükenberger of Hessen Archaeology, researchers also found the remains of a statue of Mars. The discoveries include a damaged statuette of a winged figure with a palm branch and a laurel wreath. Experts believe it likely depicts the Roman goddess Victoria, the embodiment of victory in battle.
The temple was part of a settlement near a Roman military camp. Civilian settlements, known as vici, usually emerged near Roman forts, where traders, families and other civilians lived.
(Photo: Colossal statue of Mars found in the forum of Nerva photographed at the Capitoline Museum. Credit: https://ancientimes.blogspot.com/)
Excavations near the fort
Research at the Kapersburg fort and the adjacent vicus has been ongoing since 2024. According to earlier excavations, the fort itself was built at the beginning of the 2nd century, probably during the reign of Emperor Trajan or Hadrian. For about a century and a half, until around 275, the fort was used by a unit of Roman soldiers and cavalry.
Archaeologists note that the cultural layers at the site are well preserved directly beneath the forest floor, including material bearing traces of burning. During the current work, they found fewer residential buildings than expected, but uncovered evidence of craft activity: blacksmithing pits and ovens for drying wheat and baking bread. The team plans to continue excavations next year.
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