Castrum Altinum, Roman fort in Alzey, Germany
Castrum Altinum is a Roman military fort built on a hilltop near Alzey featuring a square layout with rounded corners and fortified by thick defensive walls. The structure housed military barracks, workshops, and a central headquarters building arranged in a typical Roman fort pattern.
The fortress was ordered built in the late 4th century to defend a critical border region against Germanic incursions. It served as part of a chain of military posts protecting Roman territory during a period of external pressure.
The name has Roman origins recorded in inscriptions that reflect daily garrison life. Visitors can still see the foundations of barracks and workshops that show how soldiers lived and worked on this spot.
The site sits on high ground southwest of Mainz and is accessible for visitors interested in exploring Roman fortifications and archaeology. Walking around the remains helps visitors understand the layout and defensive position that made this location strategically important.
Construction of the fort reused stones from an earlier structure that had stood on the site previously. This practice of recycling building materials shows how Romans repurposed existing resources rather than constantly quarrying new stone.
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