Restores ancient Roman vessel replica at Xanten Museum
The Xanten Roman Museum along the Lower Rhine unveiled an authentic replica of a 4th-century AD Roman patrol boat. This nearly 18-meter-long vessel, equipped with both oars and sails, boasting stunning hand-painted shields for crew protection, was meticulously crafted by hand, as per the museum's announcement. This historical marvel is set to provide a hands-on experience into the science of the Roman era, according to North Rhine-Westphalia's Home Minister, Ina Scharrenbach.
Capable of accommodating around 30 individuals, this ship will grace the Xantener Baggersee "Süдsee" temporarily, offering tours, including for educational purposes, as stated by Martin Müller, head of the Archaeological Park Xanten. "This is our sole interactive boat designed for larger groups," Müller added. Once its temporary stint ends, the ship will find a permanent home in the Archaeological Park Xanten, albeit not directly by the water, as revealed by Dutch shipbuilder Kees Sars, who oversaw the project.
For the past decade, workshops at the Xantener Museum have been constructing replicas of Roman river ships based on archaeological findings. These ships undergo rigorous water testing but primarily serve for museum exhibitions. Ships like the one in Xanten once patrolled the Rhine with hundreds of warships during the Roman Empire, Müller stated. The Rhine, during that era, served as the external border of the empire against the Germanic "Barbarians" for over four centuries.
