The Roman Bridge (german: Römerbrücke) is an ancient structure in

Trier Trier ( , ; lb, Tréier ), formerly known in English as Trèves ( ;) and Triers (see also names in other languages), is a city on the banks of the Moselle in Germany. It lies in a valley between low vine-covered hills of red sandstone in the ...

Germany Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...

, over the Moselle. It is the oldest standing bridge in the country, and the oldest

Roman bridge The ancient Romans were the first civilization to build large, permanent bridges. Early Roman bridges used techniques introduced by Etruscan immigrants, but the Romans improved those skills, developing and enhancing methods such as arches and ...

north of the

Alps The Alps () ; german: Alpen ; it, Alpi ; rm, Alps ; sl, Alpe . are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lies entirely in Europe, stretching approximately across seven Alpine countries (from west to east): France, Swi ...

. The nine bridge pillars date from the 2nd century AD, replacing two older, wooden bridges that date at least as far back as 17 BC. In Roman times, tossing a coin off of the bridge into the Moselle was an offering of good luck. The upper part was renewed twice, in the early 12th and in the early 18th century, after suffering destruction in war. Along with other Roman and Early Gothic sites in Trier, the bridge was inscribed on the

UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It ...

World Heritage List A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for ...

in 1986 because of its historical importance and architecture.

Historical views

Roman Bridge Trier 1646.jpg,

Engraving Engraving is the practice of incising a design onto a hard, usually flat surface by cutting grooves into it with a burin. The result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver, gold, steel, or glass are engraved, or may provide an in ...

by Merian (1646) Trier Römerbrücke Kaisermanöver 1893.jpg, Emperor's Maneuver, parade of the 8th (Rhenish) Cuirassiers (1893) Fritz Quant Römerbrücke.jpg,

Etching Etching is traditionally the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio (incised) in the metal. In modern manufacturing, other chemicals may be used on other types ...

by Fritz Quant (c. 1910) Trier, Rheinland-Pfalz - Moselbrücke (Zeno Ansichtskarten).jpg, Postcard (1910)

References

External links

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Traianus
– Technical investigation of Roman public works
Site of the Römerbrücke in Google Maps
Bridges in Germany

Deck arch bridges Stone bridges in Germany Bridges completed in the 2nd century Buildings and structures in Trier History of Trier Ancient Roman buildings and structures in Germany {{Germany-bridge-struct-stub

Historical views

Further reading

See also

References

External links