Roman Watchtower Wp 3/26
at Limes Germanicus
83 to 260 a.d.
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
Balcony on the northwest side
Plaque at Wp 3/26
Watchtower 3/26 near Idstein-Dasbach appears to be the most accurately reconstructed Roman tower along Limes Germanicus today.