Two watchtowers have been discovered on the Stürmenkopf ("Stormhead"), a hill to the south of Wahlen, which offers a good view over the surrounding area. The discovery was made by Auguste Quiquerez in 1839, who also investigated the remains in 1861. Further excavations took place in 1919, 1929 and 1931, led by Alban Gerster.
The Stürmenkopf seen from Laufen. Photo: Wikimedia, Keimzelle / David Croll.On two sides of the plateau a defensive wall was observed, measuring 80 x 100 m. and probably originally 5-7 m. high. One of the towers was on the north-west part of the plateau. It measured 8.10 x 6.25 m. and had walls 1.70-2.35 m. thick. The foundations of the second tower were seen in 1839, on the south side, but could not be found anymore by Gerster. He did determine however that the entire valley could not be overlooked with a single tower.
Plan of the plateau. Gerster 1968, Abb. 16.
Fragments of tiles and ceramics emerged, and a coin from the reign of Aurelianus (270-275 AD). It was probably also in the second half of the third century that the fortification was built. It will also have served as a refuge for the residents of the valley, who could retreat here during Alemannic invasions.
Reconstruction drawing of the plateau. Gerster 1968, Abb. 21.
Literature
Gerster 1968; Drack-Fellmann 1988, 536; Drack-Fellmann 1991, 271-272.
[2-Nov-2023]
