Imagine stepping back nearly 2,000 years. Right here, in Durlach, lies the story of the Villa Rustica. It’s a tale of Roman life, accidentally unearthed and carefully preserved.
This Villa Rustica dates back to 115/120 AD. Imagine it standing proudly near a vital trade route to the Rhine. This wasn’t just any building. The Villa Rustica was a Roman estate, a hub of activity until the mid-3rd century AD.
Its discovery was quite by chance. In 1991, construction for a new trade school began here. Workers stumbled upon ancient remains. Recognizing their importance, the construction was rerouted. From 1991 to 1993, archaeologists carefully excavated and restored the site.
Interestingly, Roman artifacts weren’t new to this area. The grave of Flavius Sterius, a Roman veteran from the 3rd century AD, had been found near the Pfinz River in the 19th century. Some believe Flavius Sterius may have been the owner of this very Villa Rustica.
Picture the Villa Rustica in its prime. It was a grand stone villa, roughly 33 meters wide and 25 meters deep. A covered portico, or colonnade, graced the front. Behind it lay a courtyard, surrounded by living quarters and farm buildings.
One of the most remarkable finds was the well-preserved cellar beneath the west risalit, a projecting part of the building. This cellar may have served as a wine cellar or perhaps even a cult room. It was constructed from stone, adorned with an elaborate, multi-colored stone rhombus pattern. Six semi-circular niches with borders added to its unique character. It is believed that the cellar was abandoned in the early 3rd century for unknown reasons. It was filled with rubble and walled up.
The foundations of the east risalit also survived. They revealed a smaller room and an adjoining cellar. However, their exact purpose remains a mystery. Sadly, the colonnade between the two risalits is gone. It was likely damaged during the 1991 construction before the site’s significance was fully understood.
Today, the layout of the Villa Rustica is marked with ground slabs. These markers allow visitors to visualize the size and scope of the Roman estate. The Villa Rustica is freely accessible. Informative panels provide further insights into its history.
The Villa Rustica offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life in this region. It stood along the Roman road, like a pearl on a string. The nearby Villa Rustica shows how the Romans lived so far from Rome. It connects us to the people who once walked this land. As you explore these remains, consider the lives lived here, the goods traded, and the legacy left behind. The Villa Rustica invites us all to take a step back in time.