The Roman Estate (Villa Rustica) in Straubing-Alburg

In order to guarantee the supplies in the forts and camp villages along the Limes, numerous estates were built in the hinterland. Their production, which aimed at making a surplus, comprised farming, cattle breeding and the growing of vegetables and fruit. The main building was the centre of every activity. According to the size of the estate, there were also stables, lofts, sheds and other buildings for processing the agricultural products. There was also always a bath for the inhabitants, which was either in a bath house or integrated in the main building. The farm area was surrounded by a wall, a fence or a hedge.

The Alburg Villa is the best explored of the numerous farmsteads in the hinterland of the fort Sorviodurum (Straubing). The main building was excavated to a large extent, numerous cellars in the surroundings indicate the existence of further buildings. Although the Villa Rustica was most certainly specialized in farming, due to the excellent soil, several kilns verify the production of bricks and tiles. The approx. 1.5 hectare-large farm area and the imposing main building say something for a considerably sized farm. It was built at the end of the 1st Century AD and used until the 3rd Century.

The model represents the main building of a Roman estate. The terrace at the north frontage is flanked by two side wings which, for their part, are connected by an open columned hall. Through the columned hall one reaches an open inner courtyard with a pool and cistern. Several rooms are grouped around the courtyard. The main entrance to the villa is situated on the simply laid-out south frontage. Wall-paintings and floor heating (hypocausts) found during excavations are proof that the building was luxuriously furnished.

In 1950 the world-famous “Roman treasure” was discovered on the farm area. This concerns a depositary find of dress armour, weapons, statuettes, tools and equipment. The pieces of dress armour with the face helmets, leg guards and head guards for the horses are the most impressive. The pieces were possibly worn in battle, at tournaments and on festive occasions. The Straubing find is up to now the most extensive complex of this category of armour. The pieces of dress armour can be viewed in the Gäuboden Museum in Straubing together with a large model of the Alburg Villa.