The Romans in Höflein

“The Viennese have a Pompeii on their doorstep,” the historian Theodor Mommsen once raved about Cartnuntum, which lies only a few kilometres to the north of Höflein between Petronell and Bad-Deutsch Altenburg. Indeed, sensational finds are still being reported around the ancient city today. At Römerstadt Carnuntum part of a Roman city is being authentically reconstructed. The buildings are fully functional – visitors can view ancient rooms and experience ancient kitchen smells. Even the floor heating works! A journey back in time to 1,700 years ago!

The countryside around Carnuntum acquires a certain significance as well. It has to be militarily secured, food is in high demand and guarded roads connect the capital of the Roman province of Pannonia with the Roman Empire. Höflein, with its fertile ground and strategic position, takes on an important role. This is proven by a plethora of finds from Roman times.

Around 1900 targeted excavations begin in Höflein, after stone with Roman inscriptions are found in the wall of the cemetery. A fort is discovered - the wall of cemetery was built nearly exactly on top of its outer fortifications. Using a system of watchtowers it secures the most important road running from Carnuntum to Rome via Höflein. The road is used for the transportation of goods, the movement of soldiers and for bringing farm produce quickly and safely to the legionary camp.

Nearly a hundred years later the villa rustica is excavated, a Roman farm from the 4th century AD, partly equipped with floor heating, which probably provided Carnuntum with produce such as cereals, fruit, vegetables or meat. Today it is a public, outdoor museum offering an insight into Höflein’s fascinating Roman past.