Hochtaunus with Großer Feldberg as its highest point, July 2007.Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Remains of a Roman Temple Discovered in Germany’s Taunus Forest

by · ARTnews

The remains of a Roman temple have been unearthed by archaeologists in Germany’s Taunus region. According to experts, the discovery is especially notable given it still contains well-preserved foundations and fragmentary statues of ancient deities.

Storm damage revealed an unusual arrangement of stones that comprised part of a previously unknown settlement near the Roman fort of Kapersburg in Hesse.

A rectangular structure was identified upon further excavations. It is 16-and-a-half feet long with a smaller central chamber that is surrounded by nearly 20-inch walls. The sanctuary may have been an ambulatory temple, with a central sacred chamber surrounded by a covered walkway. One side of the central chamber appears to have been open, possibly enclosed by a now-lost wooden gate.

Ancient Wall Found in Paris May Solve Mystery of City’s OriginsArchaeologists discovered an ancient Gallic wall beneath a Paris hospital that could help determine where the city of Paris began.Daniel Cassady, 25 Sep 2026Amateur Archaeologist With a Metal Detector Finds 934 Roman Silver Coins in a Field in Western GermanyThe 6.8 pounds of silver coins, discovered in a field in Germany with a metal detector, date to the time of the Roman emperor Hadrian.Francesca Aton, 23 Sep 2026

“We were absolutely thrilled,” Katharina Griesshaber of the Saalburg State Museum told Heritage Daily about the discovery. “Finding such beautiful Roman walls is a real highlight.”

There, archaeologists also found statue fragments including as a deity’s hand, possibly representing the Roman god of war Mars, and fragmented animals. An almost complete goddess torso, identified as the Roman goddess of victory, includes wings, a palm branch, and a victory laurel. These objects can shed light on how people were worshiping at the time, with gifts often offered in exchange for divine assistance.

A votive stone found in the temple chamber, containing a Latin inscription, is currently undergoing further examination by specialists.

The temple is thought to have been erected sometime during the third century CE, when the nearby Kapersburg fort was established as part of Rome’s frontier in Germania. A piece of jewelry found alongside the temple dates to late antiquity, indicating that it may have been in use after Roman military occupation ended.

Experts are hoping to learn more about the lives, beliefs, and eventual disappearance of those who occupied this ancient Roman settlement through these finds, potentially including the name of the settlement itself.