In the 1980's two watchtowers were discovered in Aegerten, on the river Aare and to the north-east of the Bielersee. They were at localities Bürglen and Isel, about 250 m. apart. In antiquity the fortifications were separated by a branch of the river Aare. Presumably there was a bridge or a ferry service here. Both towers were very similar to fortifications in the canton Aargau, in Mumpf and Sisseln. A rectangular central part, measuring about 50 x 23 m., was flanked by semicircular towers with a diameter of some 15 m. The walls were five meters thick. Wooden foundation beams were found, leading to a date of 368-369 AD for the construction, using dendrochronology. In 1989 some Roman remains were discovered to the north of the tower at locality Isel. Gravel surfaces and post holes may have belonged to a small harbour.
Plan of the two towers on either side of the old river course. To the left Isel, to the right Bürglen. Bacher et al. 1990, Abb. 41.
Reconstruction drawing of the two towers, one finished, the other under construction. Bacher-Suter 1989, Abb. 12.
Literature
Suter-Zwahlen 1986; Drack-Fellmann 1988, 319; Bacher-Suter 1989; Bacher et al. 1990; Drack-Fellmann 1991, 33-34; Suter 1992; Bacher-Suter 1999; Flutsch et al. 2002, 365.
[20-Oct-2023]
