Archaeological Park of Xanten, Archaeological park and open-air museum in Xanten, Germany
The archaeological park and open-air museum sits on the site of a former Roman city in Xanten, Germany. The grounds display reconstructed temples, workshops, and public buildings based on excavation findings that offer insight into ancient daily routines.
Roman troops founded a settlement here in the first century, which later grew into the city known today through its ancient name. After Roman administration withdrew in the fifth century, the structures fell into disrepair and their remains lay hidden for many centuries.
The name Xanten comes from Ad Sanctos, "at the saints", after a church built over the graves of two martyrs outside the Roman walls. The medieval town grew around that church, while the Roman city beneath the park was quarried for its stone: the Xanten cathedral was built with it. Students dig here each year in a summer academy.
The grounds are large and suited for a walk lasting several hours over paved paths and grassy areas. Comfortable walking shoes help, as a full circuit takes roughly two to three hours to complete.
The park covers only about half of the Roman city; the rest of the foundations lie under modern roads, houses and commercial buildings of Xanten. The medieval town was built on a Roman cemetery, and its name comes from Ad Sanctos, "at the saints", after a church raised over the graves of two martyrs.
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