Roman artifacts dating back to Augustus found near Giessen

Discovery On is reporting that archaeologist pulled a life-sized head of a horse and a shoe of the emperor Augustus from a stream in what was once the Roman outpost Germania Magna, near modern day Giessen. Specialists there have unearthed numerous bits - including a horse hoof and a decorated chest strap - from the site. The August 12th treasure was the newest from a location that has produced some 20,000 pieces in the last several years.

On Thursday Hessian Science Minister Eva Kühne-Hörmann presented pieces of a two millenia old bronze equestrian statue of the Roman Emperor- who presided over the Roman Empire between 23 BC and 14 AD.

The find has meaning beyond Hesse and the north Alpine region due to its quality and provenance.

Kühne-Hörmann said according to The Local during the presentation with state archaeologist Dr. Egon Schallmayer and Director of the Roman-German Commission Dr. Friedrich Lüth.

Scientists from the University of Jena believe it may have been damaged by Roman troops retreating after the famous Varusschlacht, or the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD, when Germanic tribes ambushed and wiped out three Roman legions.The battle greatly influenced 19th century German nationalism. Together with the tales of Tacitus, the Germans, who at that time were still divided into many German states, identified with the Germanic folk as the mutual ancestors of one "German people".As the remaining Roman troops pulled out after the devastating loss, they smashed most of what they could not take with them. Treasures such as these are, therefore, extraordinary.

According to The Local,  

There has never been a find of such quality and preservation in Germany.

Photos of the statue reveal that the horse’s bridle is embellished with imagery of the Roman god of war Mars and the goddess Victoria, who were the symbols of victory.

We’ve rediscovered the remnants of early European history. The unique horse head is a witness to the broken dream of the Romans to create a united Europe under their rule.

Kühne-Hörmann is reported to have said. .

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