Römische Streusiedlung

In the first century a.d., a Roman mining settlement was established in the fields between Gressenich and Mausbach.

The settlement was destroyed or abandoned in the 4th or 5th century.

The entire area is now a protected monument.

Find location of a dedication stone from the year 238

In the early 1st century a.d., a Roman mining settlement emerged between Gressenich and Mausbach. Rich deposits of iron, lead, and calamine were mined and smelted here. Archaeological evidence also suggests brass production, such as the processing of buckets following Hemmoor's model.

The fields have been used for agriculture for centuries, continually bringing Roman artifacts to light. Particularly well-known is a Roman dedication stone from the year 238 a.d., which served as a vow to Jupiter and the guardian spirit of the place. Today, the stone is located on a house wall in Kornelimünster.

In 1868/69, the manufacturer Carl Schleicher initiated archaeological investigations in the burial site; however, the finds were lost in the chaos of war. In 1957, teachers Leo Esser and Klaus Lieck conducted further excavations, during which grave goods and coins were discovered.

The area of the settlement and the burial site is now protected as a monument. Due to the weakening of the Limes, there were Germanic raids in the 4th or 5th century, after which the settlement was destroyed or abandoned. Its significance continues in the legends of the rich town of Gression. Later, the Franks established a royal court outside the settlement, which formed the basis of present-day Gressenich.

In 1775, another Roman dedication stone from the year 238 a.d. was found, documenting the long history of the place.