Martberg Archaeological Park, Pommern, Germany

Nearly 200 m above the Mosel river next to Pommern and Karden lays the high plateau of the Martberg. Its name still reminds you of the celtic-roman god Lenus-Mars who has been worshipped here in ancient times.

In the celtic period, around 100 BC, the Martberg was a central town an oppidum of the local celtic tribe called Treveri. According to current research the plateau of 45 ha was densly settled with small houses made of wood and clay. The settlement was surrounded by a wall constructed out of timber and stones. The evidence of coinage, handicraft and many imported goods emphasize the importance of the settlement in these times.

In the central area of the mountain archaeologists found a sanctuary of several celtic-roman temples which date from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. The sanctuary was surrounded by a large rectangular collonade which has been 60 to 70 m. In the center stood the main temple built in the typical celtic-roman style. It had a central square building called cella and a surrounding roofed verandah with stone pillars. The cella was the most important part of the temple because there was the god’s statue placed. Next to the central temple four smaller temples were discovered built in the same way as the main temple. In the sanctuary archaeologists found large quantities of offerings. The believers offered more than 10.000 coins, hundreds of fibulas, weapons as well as thousands of miniature ceramic vessels to their gods. In the course of the christianisation the sanctuary was abandoned after 400 AD. The religious center moved from the Martberg to Karden where an early christian community was established.

Since the year of 2006 AD it is possible to visit the celtic-roman sanctuary again. The major temple with its impressive wall paintings and one minor temple are reconstructed completely. Two other temples and the surrounding wall are rebuilt partly. Furthermore you can see some houses built in the way of the celtic period. Many of the objects from the Martberg and 2000 years of the history of Karden can be seen in the Stiftsmuseum of Treis-Karden. The museum is located next to the church of Karden.

References:

Martberg Archaeological Park

Museums in Germany

User Reviews

Michael Blok (7 months ago)
Very special place. Ruins of a Celtic, then Roman Temple complex. Three temple buildings have been restored to near-original condition, giving an excellent picture of Roman temple architecture. Also has a copy of a Celtic family house. In general, a very lovely high plain with a viewpoint to the Moselle. It's an easy drive with a normal car on the dirt track and then a hike, but people with a handicapped card can drive up to the temples.

Birgit Waltert (7 months ago)
Nice area, you can also get something to drink cheaply there, which we were happy about as hikers

pete von der line (10 months ago)
Super interesting and beautifully restored. Small coffee with great prices and really tasty coffee. Is easy to reach for hikers. Another thing to note is that it's on a hilltop so it's a little windier

T Grün (10 months ago)
A welcome location after the ascent, where much was reported about the Romans. Very nicely located and nicely restored and informative. We were lucky enough to experience a successful event with food and drink. The Celtic rituals were also reported.

Michael Phillips (2 years ago)
If you go here by car you will find yourself on a steep narrow forest track which goes on for quite a few kilometres. We began to think we had made a big mistake but eventually you will come across A large P sign which is indeed a car park although really just a small clearing. There are few obvious signs you are in the right place but do walk further up the track and after a few bends you will appear at the top of the hill and see the Museum ahead. It is about a kilometer. You need some good shoes and not be too precious about your car. When you do come across other humans you will feel put to shame if not equipped with full hiking gear. However never fear, the place itself is very interesting and well worth the effort. There is even a gift shop/ cafe serving snacks and hot/cold drinks. We visited on a beautiful sunny day in early October.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright larrywkoester

Historic Site of the week

Monte d'Accoddi

Monte d"Accoddi is a Neolithic archaeological site in northern Sardinia, located in the territory of Sassari. The site consists of a massive raised stone platform thought to have been an altar. It was constructed by the Ozieri culture or earlier, with the oldest parts dated to around 4,000–3,650 BC.

The site was discovered in 1954 in a field owned by the Segni family. No chambers or entrances to the mound have been found, leading to the presumption it was an altar, a temple or a step pyramid. It may have also served an observational function, as its square plan is coordinated with the cardinal points of the compass.

The initial Ozieri structure was abandoned or destroyed around 3000 BC, with traces of fire found in the archeological evidence. Around 2800 BC the remains of the original structure were completely covered with a layered mixture of earth and stone, and large blocks of limestone were then applied to establish a second platform, truncated by a step pyramid (36 m × 29 m, about 10 m in height), accessible by means of a second ramp, 42 m long, built over the older one. This second temple resembles contemporary Mesopotamian ziggurats, and is attributed to the Abealzu-Filigosa culture.

Archeological excavations from the chalcolithic Abealzu-Filigosa layers indicate the Monte d"Accoddi was used for animal sacrifice, with the remains of sheep, cattle, and swine recovered in near equal proportions. It is among the earliest known sacrificial sites in Western Europe.

The site appears to have been abandoned again around 1800 BC, at the onset of the Nuragic age.

The monument was partially reconstructed during the 1980s. It is open to the public and accessible by the old route of SS131 highway, near the hamlet of Ottava. It is 14,9 km from Sassari and 45 km from Alghero. There is no public transportation to the site. The opening times vary throughout the year.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Martberg Archaeological Park

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Hidden Gems of Finnish Archipelago

House of the Dragon Filming Locations

Historic Landmarks of Sicily

Historic Site of the week

Monte d'Accoddi

Looks like you are a history fan!