The shape of the city during this period was heavily influenced by the many remains from the Roman period when the city formed a defensive fortress (Burger-Völlmecke, 2012). It is known that by the reign of Charlemagne at least the ruins of the defensive wall had survived. However, Roman remains have been discovered throughout the historic city centre in numerous archaeological investigations and during the construction of new developments in the city. Several relics discovered in this way remain open to the public. The largest finds that have survived to the present day are the Roman Theatre, the Stone of Drusus (Drusustein) or the ruins of the Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater.
Remains of the Roman Theatre were found in 1884 during the construction of the Mainz Südbahnhof. Parts of the theatre can still be visited today. With an auditorium diameter of 116.25 m and a stage width of 41.25 m and space for around 10,000 visitors, it is the largest theatre north of the Alps. It probably served as a meeting place for memorial ceremonies for the Roman general Drusus and is connected to the Drusus Stone, about 340 m away (DUHL, 2021).
The Drusus- or Eichelstein is the remains of a cenotaph for Drusus the Elder. It is the wall block located on the citadel. The general and stepson of Augustus came to Germania magna during conquests in 9 BC. Killed on the Elbe in 200 BC. Before the body was transported to Rome, the legionnaires said goodbye to their general in Mainz and then erected a monument for him. Memorial ceremonies for Drusus took place here in the following years (DUHL, 2021).
The ruins of the temple of Isis and Magna Mater are located in the area of today's shopping arcade, Römerpassage. The parts of a temple were uncovered in 2000 that were dedicated to the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis and the oriental Mater Magna and were used until the 3rd century. This cult building is the only excavated Isis temple in Germany. The remains of the building and the small finds made there can now be viewed in a presentation room under the Römerpassage (DUHL, 2021).
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Digital Urban History Lab, https://landesmuseum-mainz.de/de/ausstellungen/digital-urban-history-lab/.