Roman Treasures Unearthed in Rare Limes Anniversary Exhibition at Steinheim Castle

A new travelling exhibition is set to open at Steinheim Castle Museum on December 7, 2025. It marks the 20th anniversary of the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The display features Roman artifacts from Hanau’s Municipal Museums, including rare stone monuments tied to ancient cults. The exhibition will run from December 7, 2025, to April 5, 2026. Visitors can explore stone monuments linked to the Roman cults of Mithras and Dionysus, unearthed in Erlensee-Rückingen. A highlight is the first public showing of a restored wooden Roman well shaft from Hanau’s collection.

The event also showcases modern archaeological research and nearly two centuries of Limes scholarship. Workshops and lectures will accompany the display, including a Family Roman Workshop and a Family Cooking Extravaganza focused on Roman cuisine. The opening ceremony on December 7 at 12:00 PM will be led by Beate Funck, Chair of the City Council.

The Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes once stretched 550 kilometres through four German states. Around 120 forts and 900 watchtowers lined its route, forming a key part of the Roman Empire’s frontier defences. The exhibition offers a rare chance to see artifacts from Hanau’s Municipal Museums. It celebrates two decades since the Limes gained UNESCO recognition. The display at Steinheim Castle Museum will remain open for nearly four months.