Castra Argentovaria, Roman military fort in Horbourg-Wihr, France.
Castra Argentovaria was a Roman military fort beside the Rhine River, equipped with defensive walls, bastions, and gates arranged in a planned urban layout. The settlement covered several hectares and included temples, residential quarters, and other structures organized across the site.
Emperor Valentinian I established the fort during his reign to secure the Roman frontier along the Rhine. A major battle in 378 CE between Roman forces under Emperor Gratian and the Alemanni people became a defining moment in the fort's history.
The Mithraeum reveals how soldiers maintained their own religious practices within the fort, with worship playing a role in garrison life. This sacred space shows how military personnel created cultural spaces that reflected their identities and beliefs.
Archaeological remains can be explored at the site today, with ongoing excavations continually revealing new findings. Visitors should be aware that some areas may still be under investigation and not always fully accessible.
Excavations reveal that multi-story buildings were arranged in blocks with streets forming a grid pattern between waterways and elevated areas. This careful planning shows how systematically the Romans designed their military installations.
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