Tricensimae, Archaeological museum in Xanten, Germany
Tricensimae is an archaeological museum and ancient site displaying the remains of a Roman military settlement. The grounds show preserved walls, defensive structures, and spaces where soldiers and their families lived.
The fortress was built shortly after 275, probably in the last quarter of the 3rd century, within the walls of the abandoned Colonia Ulpia Traiana. Franks took it in 352, and Julian recaptured and restored it in 359, using it as a base for his 360 campaign against the Chattuari. It was abandoned by the early 5th century.
The collection displays objects from everyday life at the settlement, including coins, pottery, and weapons that reveal how soldiers and local people interacted here. These items show the mixing of Roman and local traditions.
The site is best visited in dry weather since some areas are outdoors. The grounds have clear paths and information boards that help you understand what you are seeing.
The fortress walls were probably about 18 metres high and 3.5 metres thick, with 44 semicircular towers and two broad ditches. Its 16 hectares covered nine central insulae of the Colonia Ulpia Traiana, including the forum, the Capitol and the baths. The name Tricensimae refers to the number 30, recalling the Legio XXX Ulpia Victrix.
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