The source is in the northwest corner of the fortification. Due to the impermeable Taunus quartzite, the water already emerges at a relative altitude (26m below the hilltop at the refuge). In the 19th century, the spring continued to carry water all year round. A drain running under the wall directed the excess water outside. Today it only flows in the humid seasons and pours into a collecting basin. The source is of great fortificatory importance for the complex. Especially in times of need you were well supplied with drinking water for people and cattle during a siege and could therefore, confidently remaining under the protection of the walls, look forward to better times. Old excavations in the spring area during the 19th century produced numerous ceramic materials from different periods. Proof that the spring was actually used at the time. In addition to the supply of drinking water, food had to be stored within the fortification in times of need. On the one hand, these consisted of different types of grain that were verifiably deposited in special storage structures. The grain was cultivated and harvested in the surrounding area. The Dollberg itself, with its sterile soil, hardly came into consideration as a cultivation area. Spelled barley, emmer, einkorn, spelled and naked wheat were known as cereals. Legumes such as lentils, peas, field beans and peas were also grown. In addition, there is livestock farming. Theories on the wall point to interpret it as a cattle pen for times of need. In emergencies, the population of the surrounding villages fled to the facility and, if possible, brought their cattle with them to keep them out of the reach of the enemy. Pigs (approx. 53%) and cattle (approx. 34%) were bred as well as sheep and goats. Dogs and water birds (ducks, swans and gray geese) were on the extended menu. In contrast, hunting played a subordinate role. Source: Text information board
The source lies within the northwest corner of the fortification. Due to the impermeable Taunus quartzite, the water already emerges at a relative altitude (26 m below the hilltop at the refuge).
Old excavations in the spring area during the 19th century produced numerous ceramic materials from different periods.
Proof that the source was actually used at the time.
It pours into a collecting basin immediately behind the northwest corner of the fortification wall. A drain running under the wall directed the excess water outside.
Translated by Google •
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