Long Wall Butzweiler

The Langmauer was a late Roman wall originally built towards the end of the 4th century AD under Emperor Valentinian I.

This wall was about 72 kilometres long, 80 centimetres thick and 2 metres high. There were watchtowers at strategic points. The wall was built with sandstone blocks , partly from the quarries at Pützlöcher. In some parts there was a ditch on the outside for extra protection.

This reconstruction gives visitors an impression of the size and importance of this Roman defensive structure.

This was not a classical defensive wall like the Limes. The purpose of the wall was to enclose an imperial domain , an area of about 220 square kilometers, to protect agricultural lands and settlements.

Other remains can be found at Herforst, Kordel and Spangdahlem .

Willem Vandenameele