Finds bear witness to the life of Roman citizens and legions. History is made tangible for everyone in authentic buildings. Visitors can find out about trade routes, important military bases and cities of the empire in the region.
Walking through the LVR Roman Museum in Xanten is like opening a living history book. Roman citizens such as Titus or Marcus stand in front of you in white tunics when the display cases with valuable ceramic bowls and documents appear in your field of vision. Legionnaires march in formation as your gaze falls on the ancient armor and weapons. They can set off straight away with their marching baggage. Fortunately, this is available to try on in the museum.
The pages of the educational facility are filled with impressive stories about historical events, which are told on the basis of artefacts. Using interactive stations, the house illustrates what it meant to be a craftsman, emissary or soldier. Authentic buildings reinforce the impression. Text panels and audio recordings make it clear that the Romans were a culturally highly developed people. They built towns and camps at important locations in NRW.
Since 2008, the Roman Museum in Xanten has been embedded in an archaeological park with impressive city walls, a harbor temple and a colossal amphitheater. The facility at Siegfriedstraße 39 was built on the walls of the Basilica Thermarum, which was the entrance hall of the city baths of the port city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana - one of the largest settlements on the Rhine.
The permanent exhibition offers over 2500 exhibits on around 2000 square meters, taking visitors from Caesar to the Frankish period. Time travelers can look forward to seeing the remains of a Roman ship, wall paintings and a cannon.
LWL Roman Museum in Haltern as an alternative
If you are more interested in the development of a military base, the LWL Roman Museum in Haltern is the right place for you. This is where the Romans fought against the Germanic tribes around Arminius. The 19th legion, which was to perish in the Varus Battle, was stationed here.
The most important finds from old Roman camps along the Lippe are collected at Weseler Straße 100. On 1000 square meters, around 1200 exhibits bear witness to the life of the legionaries along an important transport route.
From the end of March to the end of October, guests are also invited to visit the Aliso Roman construction site. The team has reconstructed parts of tombs, walls and the gates of a Roman camp from earth and wood on the original site.
