The Drusus Stone - Mainz
N 49° 59.545 E 008° 16.446
32U E 447968 N 5538040
In reverence of the Roman general Drusus, his troops stationed in Mogontiacum (Mainz) erected a memorial, the Drusus Stone.
Waymark Code: WM169C
Location: Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
Date Posted: 01/29/2007
Views: 118
Access : The Drusus Stone rests on the grounds of the historic Citadel on the Jakobsberg close to the ancient Roman theater complex. You can enter the Citadel via the gate at N49 59.605 E8 16.508. There is no access approaching from the south or east as you will be blocked by the Citadel wall.
Imagine this eerie scenario which occurred in Mainz almost 2,000 years ago: a mystical aura lies over this Roman city when by night Roman soldiers in full armor draw close to the flames of a huge fire, placing sacrificial gifts of captured booty and weapons at its base. Mourning wails fill the air while the fire’s flickering flames cast spooky shadows on the monument nearby. That is pretty much the way things went at the annual death cult ceremonies honoring General Drusus, who was a step-son of Emperor Augustus.
Distinguished in battle, this brave commander found his end in 9 A.D. on returning from conquests of German territories along the Elbe River.
He succumbed following an accident, still very young. In reverence of his memory, his troops stationed in Mogontiacum (Mainz) erected a memorial, the Drusus Stone. Remnants of this can be found today on the Citadel.
In the year 13 B.C. Drusus laid the foundation for the military encampment directly across from the mouth of the River Main at its confluence with the Rhine. From here he would venture forth to conquer the German lands on the opposite side of the river.
The Roman historian Cassius Dio described the successful conqueror as “…a youth, possessed of so many and such high virtues, as only a mortal human nature could encompass and favor… and be able to develop with industry and application. “
Most Relevant Historical Period: Roman Empire > 27 B.C.
Admission Fee: Free
Opening days/times:
24/7
Web Site: [Web Link]
Condition: Some remaining traces (ruins) or pieces
|
Visit Instructions:
A complete sentence or two or an uploaded photo taken by the waymarker will be required in the log to confirm that the logger is participating in the hobby in good faith. Logs of only a few words like "Visited it" without an original photo are subject to deletion.