Imagine Celts walking here 2400 years ago. This is the Ringwall Altkönig. It is a testament to the past. Today, we will delve into its history.
The Ringwall Altkönig is a prehistoric fortification in the Taunus. It sits atop the Altkönig. The Altkönig is the Taunus’ third highest mountain at 798 meters. This ringwall dates back to around 400 BC. The Celts of the La Tène period built it.
The Altkönig’s summit offers a commanding view. It overlooks the Vordertaunus. The Wetterau and Main plain are also visible. The ringwall circles the Altkönig’s peak. It has a double wall in an oval shape. A spring is secured by an annex on the southwest side.
The Ringwall Altkönig covers 26 hectares. The annex covers 11 hectares. The walls consist of Taunus quartzite. The inner ring is 950 meters long. The outer ring stretches 1390 meters. They are spaced 50 to 80 meters apart. The annex wall was originally 1000 meters long.
The outer wall had two secured gates. One faced southeast. Another went southwest into the annex. Overlapping wall ends fortified them. A 60-meter gap exists south of the annex. It is unknown if a gate was there. The inner wall had only one gate. It faced east. It was simpler without wall overlaps.
The walls were originally dry stone walls. This construction is the Altkönig-Preist type. This post-slot wall design was first studied here. The inner wall was 6.2 to 6.5 meters wide. The outer wall was about 4.0 meters.
Inside the inner wall, slight traces of fortification exist. However, little is known about them. The Ringwall Altkönig’s function is unclear. The annex and outer ring may have been refuges. Similar structures were once aristocratic seats. This seems likely for the Altkönig ringwall.
Few artifacts and settlement layers suggest small use. The site likely only sheltered larger groups briefly. No finds exist from early Roman or late La Tène times. This suggests the site had already fallen into disrepair.
Karl August von Cohausen excavated in 1882 and 1883. Christian Ludwig Thomas followed in 1894 and 1911. Their work provides most of our findings. A bronze animal fibula is a notable find. The post-slot wall principle was discovered during these digs.
In the 16th century, Erasmus Alberus mentioned the Altkönig’s “old walls” in a poem. Locals sought refuge in the wall during French raids in 1792. They built huts inside. A late Roman coin was allegedly found within the walls. Its interpretation remains unclear.
The Ringwall Altkönig is a protected historical monument. Research and collecting finds require permission. Accidental finds must be reported. The wall bears the international symbol for cultural property protection.
Today, the Ringwall Altkönig reminds us of Celtic life. It also showcases early fortification methods. As you leave, consider the people who once sought shelter here. They lived and defended their territory.