Roman Watchtower Wp 3/26
at Limes Germanicus

83 to 260 a.d.

Roman Watchtower Wp 3/26 at Limes Germanicus 83 to 260 a.d.
Entrance on the south side.

Reconstruction of a typical Roman Watchtower along the Limes Germanicus defense line near Idstein-Dasbach in the Taunus mountains. The tower has been plastered, and painted white with red grout to simulate a regular stone pattern. One corner of the tower has been left unplastered to show the irregular stonework of the tower wall. The steel door on the eastern side of the tower is used by modern day visitors. Roman soldiers entered the tower through a small hatch on the second floor which could only be reached by a ladder. The ground floor was used to store food, arms, and equipment. The tower crew cooked and slept on the second floor, and they used the balcony of the third floor to observe the area in front of the Limes border line. The nearest towers to the left and right were within sight of this tower. Enemy contact and attacks would be reported by smoke signals during the day, or light signals by night.

Roman Tower 3/26 at Limes Germanicus

Inscription above the entrance

Inscription above the entrance

East side of the tower.
East side of the tower
Detail of the stonework.
Detail of the stonework
>North side of the tower.
North side of the tower
Northwest side of the tower.
Northwest side of the tower
Balcony on the northwest side

Balcony on the northwest side

Plaque at Wp 3/26

Plaque at Wp 3/26

Watchtower 3/26 near Idstein-Dasbach appears to be the most accurately reconstructed Roman tower along Limes Germanicus today.

Ancient Campaigns, Battles and Events