Burglay

Burglay - a military fortification from late antiquity: In Constantinian times (early 4th century AD), Romans built forts or beacons in sight distance on prominent Moselle hills for the defence of the left banks of the Rhine and the imperial residence in Trier against Germanic tribes.

19 such strategic fortifications were identified between Trier and Koblenz. One was situated at the Burglay slate rock in Minheim. Archaeologists found toolmarks on the rock, scattered slate stones with mortar residue on them, fragments of clay bricks and shards of ceramics which are indicative of a massive construction. A Roman bronze balance weight (4th - 5th century), a statuette of Roman god Mercury (approx. 200 AD) and the fragment of a brick seal (4th century) are among the most important small finds. One of Minheims vineyard sites is named after Burglay fort.