Can you hear the whispers of Roman legionaries? Here in Nied, the echoes of their presence are surprisingly strong. Nied, a charming suburb of Frankfurt, nestled between the Main and Nidda rivers, holds a past far richer than its tranquil present suggests. This unassuming district was once a vital Roman settlement, a bustling hub supporting the vast Roman military machine. Around 3000 BC, Neolithic settlements appeared along the Main and Nidda rivers, including here in Nied. The Romans arrived later, establishing a vicus, a civilian settlement, here in Nied.
The Romans didn’t choose Nied by chance. This location, strategically placed near the confluence of two major rivers, provided access to vital resources and transportation routes. Discoveries of a Roman bridge and large-scale brickworks paint a picture of a thriving industrial center. These brickworks, fueled by clay transported from Kelkheim-Münster, supplied bricks not only for local needs but also for the entire Wetterau region and the Limes fortifications. Inscriptions bearing the names of Roman legionaries like Q. Cornelius Aquinus and L. Cornelius Arator connect this place directly to the soldiers who once walked these very grounds. The Romans also produced high-quality pottery, known as “Wetterauer Ware,” here in Nied. This finely marbled, thin-walled pottery, adorned with vibrant orange-red ornaments and figures, was highly sought after.
Nied’s significance extended beyond industry. The nearby Roman fort in Höchst provided military protection, while a mansio, a Roman rest stop, located in the Nieder Wald, served travelers along the Via Regia. Even today, traces of this Roman past linger. Street names like “Im Ziegelfeld” and remnants of Roman buildings found on old maps and during recent excavations keep these stories alive.
Over the centuries, Nied changed hands many times. From the Franks to the Archbishopric of Mainz and the County of Hanau, each era left its mark. The Battle of Nidda in 1246, fought near Nied, was a pivotal moment in German history. Later, the Thirty Years’ War brought devastation, but Nied, like a phoenix, rose from the ashes. Even Napoleon’s troops marched through Nied, with Empress Marie Louise making a stop here in 1812.
In 1928, Nied became part of Frankfurt, but it retains its unique character. Take a stroll through the Niedwald and discover the Selzerbrunnen, a mineral spring. Imagine Roman soldiers refreshing themselves at this very spot. Later, visit the Heimatmuseum Nied, where you can marvel at relics from the Roman brickworks. Nied, though now a peaceful suburb, still pulses with the echoes of its vibrant past.