Photo: University of Cologne, Archaeology of the Roman Provinces
During excavations at the LWL-Römermuseum in Haltern am See, Germany, students from the University of Cologne uncovered a series of remarkable artifacts from the Roman Empire, reports Arkeonews. Among the discoveries were fragments of wine amphorae, a bronze spoon, red Terra Sigillata pottery, and the remains of a structure believed to be a 2,000-year-old Roman “refrigerator.”
The dig took place at the site of the ancient Roman military base Aliso — one of the most significant fortresses north of the Alps. According to Dr. Bettina Tremmel, a Roman history expert from the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL), the newly uncovered structures could greatly enhance the reconstruction project of the open-air museum Römerbaustelle Aliso. “It’s not yet clear whether the building remains belonged to a soldiers’ barracks or a house with an atrium, but one of the pits likely served as an ancient Roman refrigerator,” Tremmel noted.
Haltern am See is considered a key archaeological site for understanding Roman life in frontier settlements. Excavations revealed numerous household items reflecting a surprisingly high level of comfort, even in these remote outposts. Among the findings were a bronze spoon and fragments of wine amphorae, suggesting the consumption of imported Mediterranean goods. Particularly notable was the Terra Sigillata tableware — red-glazed pottery from southern Gaul that was considered a luxury item, typically used by officers or wealthy merchants. Other discoveries included gaming pieces and Roman coins, offering a glimpse into the soldiers’ leisure activities.
One of the most fascinating finds was a cooling pit, or Kühlgrube, used by Romans to preserve perishable foods such as meat, wine, fruit, and cheese. These pits were dug into the ground and often lined with clay or stone to maintain low temperatures. Researchers believe the newly found pit was covered with wooden planks and insulated with straw or sand.
“Romans were remarkably innovative in food preservation. Even in northern provinces, they adapted their techniques to local conditions,” explained Professor Eckhard Deschler-Erb, head of the excavation from the University of Cologne’s Department of Roman Provincial Archaeology.
Archaeologists also uncovered thick post trenches, which, according to Tremmel, may indicate the deliberate destruction of the camp before its abandonment. “Romans often burned and cleared their wooden posts when retreating. This destruction layer may date back to events following the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD,” she added.
After the Roman defeat in Germania, the empire withdrew behind the Rhine, and fortresses such as Aliso were either abandoned or destroyed. The findings in Haltern support this historical narrative.
Haltern am See remains one of the most important centers for studying Roman presence in Northern Europe. Excavations began there in 1899, and since then, the site has served as a training ground for generations of archaeologists.
