Rome’s forgotten border in Carinthia

The collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the deposition of its last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, in 476 triggered what seemed to be an unstable phase in Central Europe. In Italy, the warlord Odoacer ruled and decided in 488 to withdraw all Romans from Ufernoricum to the Italian heartland. This meant abandoning the fortifications along the Danube, relinquishing the Danube limes. However, Italy was not to be left defenseless, and so a new border line was established in the Eastern Alps, which is still clearly visible today in Carinthia. The team at KIAGK focuses primarily on visual contacts and sight field analyses between the individual posts and documents the remains that are still visible in the terrain today.

Figure 01: View from Kathreinkogl towards Velden on Lake Wörthersee.

Figure 01: View from Kathreinkogl towards Velden on Lake Wörthersee.

Figure 02: On the site, distinct traces of walls from ancient times are still recognizable.

Figure 02: On the site, distinct traces of walls from ancient times are still recognizable.

Figure 03: The KIAGK team on the way in the Lower Gailtal.

Figure 03: The KIAGK team on the way in the Lower Gailtal.

Figure 01: Overview of the sanctuary in Tasinemetum/Rosegg. In the middle of the image, the foundation of the sacrificial altar is clearly visible.Tasinemetum – The Ancient Rosegg
Abbildung 02: Selbst heute ist es noch möglich, Überreste der ehemaligen römischen Hauptstraße zu sehen, wie die römische Straße hier in Ledenitzen (Foto: Laura Pösendorfer)Roman road research in Carinthia
Published On: 23. May 2025Categories: ongoing, Research excavation

About the Author: Laura Pösendorfer

Laura Lucia Pösendorfer, MA BA, completed both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Classical and Provincial Roman Archaeology at the University of Graz. Her research interests lie in the cultural mediation of archaeological topics, the study of Roman small finds, and settlement archaeology. Professionally, she gained experience as a fieldwork team member and deputy excavation director on various projects in Styria and Carinthia. Additionally, she works as treasurer for the non-profit association Archaeological Research Network Innsbruck, supervises amateur archaeologists, and served as deputy curator of the Argentum Museum.