Limes Hexagonal Tower of Gleichen

The hexagonal tower of peers was discovered during excavations. The location of the tower with its view over the Hohenlohe plain suggests that it was an important point for the Roman surveyors - along the 550 km long border that connected the Rhine with the Danube. Because from here, the optical measurement of almost 80 km long dead straight line between Walldürn and Haghof at Welzheim was made. Wall and ditch are still very well preserved in this area over a considerable distance. However, the course of the Limes from the hexagonal tower Gleichen through the Pfedelbacher Tal to Öhringen is only visible on maps and for clues on the spot.

The Sentinel 9/51 is one of the most unusual on the entire Limes. It is a hexagonal construction, which is rare. The thickness of the walls also suggests that the tower was exceptionally high. South of the tower, the Limes deviates from its straight line to avoid a steep terrain waste. This is the only deviation on the otherwise dead straight line.The tower must have played a special role in surveying the Limes section, which extends over approximately 80 km between the Haghof south of Welzheim and Walldürn. It is located approximately in the middle of the track, so that could be worked simultaneously to the north and south. The starting point for the survey was either the tower itself or a wooden scaffolding that stood here before the tower was erected.From the uppermost tower level, the terrain was always visible close to the approximately 120m lower slope foot. With a clear view, the view to the north was still far beyond the Hohenlohe level to the small fort Hönehaus, which is about 45 km away. Even south, much of the plateau was overlooking Mainhardt.

It continues with culture. Thanks also to brushcutters for the information.