Researchers have finally uncovered the mystery behind the ruins of the “Abandoned Castle” (Ödes Schloss), located in Lower Austria near the town of Stöpfenreuth, on the floodplain of the Danube River. This significant discovery was made by scientists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Archaeological Park Carnuntum. It sheds new light on the northern defensive strategies of the Roman Empire and its control over vital trade routes, such as the famous Amber Road.
The “Abandoned Castle” has long intrigued archaeologists and historians, who have speculated about what once stood at the site of these ruins. However, recent excavations have definitively identified Ödes Schloss as a Roman stronghold, strategically positioned to oversee and facilitate the movement of people and goods across the Danube. This site was part of an important segment of the Danube Limes – a fortified border of the empire guarded by legionnaires. Notably, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as reported by Arkeonews.
The Romans typically built their forts on the far side of border rivers. These structures served as outposts from which Roman troops could control the surrounding areas. The fort near Stöpfenreuth was constructed in two phases. The first phase occurred around 170-180 AD during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, when the Romans sought to make their border impenetrable to invasions. The second phase, around 260 AD under Emperor Gallienus, involved renovations that ultimately marked the fort’s last military use.
The excavations revealed well-preserved sections of walls, some reaching heights of 2.65 meters. Among the artifacts discovered were coins, pottery, bronze items, and stamped bricks marked with the legions stationed at the fort in Carnuntum.
Archaeologist Christian Guggl, the lead participant in the excavations, noted, “For a long time, it remained unclear whether there was ever a significant Roman presence in this area on the northern bank of the Danube. The discovery of additional stone forts, some of which were evidently occupied by large military units, significantly alters our perception of the Roman Limes.”
The excavation team also contributed to ecological and geological research. Collaborating with the University of Vienna and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), the archaeologists collected sediment samples from the Danube floodplain. This will help scientists reconstruct ancient river models.
The team continues to work on the materials uncovered, promising to reveal even more information about the legacy of the Roman Empire in Austria, as well as enrich our understanding of its military, economic, and environmental history.