Limes Germanicus, 83–260 A.D.
Reconstruction of the Upper German Limes at Kohorten-Kastell Zugmantel. The Roman castle provided auxiliary infantry patrols and guard detachments for this section of the Limes located at a strategically important pass across the Taunus mountains. The picture shows a section of the palisade and a reconstructed watchtower as seen from the hostile side of the border. Behind the palisade is a V-shaped ditch and rampart. The palisade stakes are cut differently than those used near Kohorten-Kastell Saalburg, and the rampart is much higher. Stone watchtowers were normally plastered and painted to achieve an imitated brickwork effect sporting white bricks with red grout. Zugmantel castle is well worth a visit, because of the reconstructed watchtower, palisade and rampart.
Limes Germanicus
View from the rampart across the ditch and palisade
View across the crown of the rampart and the top of the palisade
View from the ditch at the palisade
Cross section of the Limes: watchtower and rampart left, palisade right
View from the ditch at the rampart and watchtower
Palisade stakes in a nearby wood
Close-up of the palisade and watchtower
Remnants of the rampart along the Limes walk
Limes Germanicus, Kohorten-Kastell Zugmantel, and the Roman watchtower are popular tourist spots in this part of Germany. Modellers and wargamers interested in building the Limes in 1:72 scale will be greatly inspired by a visit to this beautifully reconstructed site.