- Xanten is a town in Germany which was founded in c.15 BCE as Castra Vetera, a fortress for the Legions and the Roman Navy, in the Province of Germania Inferior.
- Xanten is famed for its Open Air Archeological Park where the Roman town of Colonia Ulpia Traiana has been reconstructed.
Museums
- Xanten Archeological Park
- This is Europe’s largest open air museum on the site of the Roman Legionary Fortress of Castra Vetera and the town of Colonia Ulpia Traiana.
- Roman Baths, including double glazing to keep Baths warm in Winter.
- Roman Military Hospital, built to house 6-8 per cent of the Legions soldiers.
- Roman Temple
- Roman Amphitheatre
- Roman Hostel
- Roman City walls and gates
- The Archeological Park
History
- Roman Legions posted to Castra Vetera were:
- Legio XVII (c.15 BCE-9 CE)
- Probably here. Lost in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
- Legio XVIII (c.15 BCE-9 CE)
- Probably here. Lost in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
- Legio V Alaudae (9-70 CE)
- Legio XXI Rapax (9-43 CE)
- Legio XVII (c.15 BCE-9 CE)
- Roman Navy HQ
- Classis Germanica was also based at Castra Vetera, Xanten.
- Xanten was the navy HQ at first, until it was moved to Cologne after 69 CE.
Xanten Archeological Park