Hesse

Hesse

Historical Significance

In Hesse the Limes section that has been acknowledged world heritage status by UNESCO stretches from Heidenrod to Seligenstadt am Main.

The route is 153km long while the state of preservation of the 18 larger and 31 smaller forts as well as the more than 200 watchtower sites varies. In areas heavily used agriculturally little can be seen above ground, while the ramparts stick out of the surroundings in forested areas.

After the expeditions against the Chatten around 100 AD the Roman secured their occupation along the right bank of the Rhine with the Limes. Path cuttings were secured with wooden towers, later palisades were used. Since the maintenance of the wooden towers has turned out to be too time consuming, stone towers were erected; instead of the palisades a wall and moats were added. These consecutive phases of expansion characterized the Limes routing for more than 160 years.