Römerbrücke, Roman stone bridge in Mainz, Germany
The Römerbrücke was a Roman structure that crossed the Rhine River using stone pillars anchored in the riverbed to support a wooden deck above. This design allowed traffic to pass between the two banks while the permanent stone foundations ensured stability.
Construction began in the early Roman period under Emperor Augustus as part of efforts to secure the frontier region. The bridge remained an important crossing point for trade and military movement until it eventually fell into disrepair.
The bridge served as a vital link for the Roman settlement and showed how engineers adapted their designs to the local river conditions. Visitors can see how this structure once connected two important areas of the ancient city.
The remains of the stone pillars are now submerged beneath the Rhine River and visible only from the riverbank or during periods of low water. A walk along the bank near the city center offers the best vantage point to understand where the bridge once stood.
Archaeological discoveries in 2004 found preserved wood fragments embedded within the stone pillars, revealing construction details long forgotten. These findings showed that the Romans carefully integrated timber reinforcement into their masonry for added strength.
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