In Delbrück-Bentfeld, a locality in the Paderborn district of Germany, a team of archaeologists supported by the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe (LWL) is conducting excavations at what appears to be an ancient village inhabited during the first centuries A.D.
This village, located just 1.5 kilometers from an ancient Roman military camp in Anreppen, is revealing valuable clues suggesting it was already populated by local inhabitants when Roman legions settled in the region during their conquest campaigns. Among recent findings are coins and structures that experts believe could be up to 2,000 years old.
The first evidence of this ancient village came to light in 2017, during the expansion of a residential area on the western outskirts of Delbrück-Bentfeld. At that time, archaeologists found pottery fragments dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., which allowed for an initial timeline of the area’s occupation.

Recently, under the direction of Sven Knippschild, an archaeological team has continued excavation in the area known as Schafbreite, where, in addition to the structure identified in 2017, another building has been discovered, possibly a second farmhouse from the same period. Archaeologists have identified remains of wooden posts that once supported the roof of a large dwelling. They also uncovered a smaller structure, possibly a storage unit, which clearly stands out in the terrain as a dark patch on the light sandy soil.
One of the most interesting discoveries was a denarius from the time of Emperor Augustus, dated between 19 and 18 B.C. However, upon close examination, the LWL numismatics specialist Stefan Kötz discovered it was a contemporary counterfeit, made with a bronze core instead of pure silver. This type of imitation coin circulated until the end of the 1st century A.D., adding a fascinating element to the trade and economy of that period.
Another significant find is a Roman shoe nail, probably lost by a legionary around 2,000 years ago. This nail may provide additional information about Roman occupation in the area, although final dating will only be available after its restoration.

The location of this village was carefully chosen. The site, south of a slight slope toward the Lippe Valley, offered flood protection. Additionally, the terrain was close to a Roman road running westward from the Anreppen camp, passing south of the Lippe River.
This route almost touched the village’s northern edge, possibly facilitating communication and trade. However, unlike today’s flat landscape, the terrain back then was not so level; early inhabitants had to flatten a large sand dune before settling.
The mayor of Delbrück, Werner Peitz, expressed pride in these findings. According to his statements, the Roman heritage is a source of pride for the residents, and the area attracts many visitors annually who want to learn more about the history of the Roman camp via the Römer-Lippe-Route bike trail.

Among the objects found recently are also coins from the emperors Maximian and Hadrian, pieces that cover a broad chronological range and reflect an extensive occupation period, which could have been intermittent. Additionally, a bronze saddle fitting and other pottery fragments offer insights for further studies.
Dr. Sven Spiong, head of the LWL-Archaeology branch for Westphalia in Bielefeld, explained that these findings provide a unique opportunity to explore the interaction between the Romans and local inhabitants. One of the research goals is to understand the coexistence and the kind of relationship that existed between Roman soldiers and local farmers 2,000 years ago.
Over the centuries, the area was adapted and protected. In the Middle Ages, it became farmland, and farmers used a fertilization technique that involved layering fertile soil over the sandy ground. This type of “cover” of 10 to 20 centimeters in thickness has protected the archaeological remains, preserving them until today. A bronze fibula from the 11th century, also found at the site, provides the first indication of its use during the medieval period.
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