Milestones in Carnuntum's science and museum history
A general awareness of Carnuntum’s importance and the need of securing its legacy developed only in the second half of the 19th century. Sporadic interest has already been shown in the Renaissance, however, for a long time a considerable number of valuable artifacts was irretrievably lost by antiquarians and treasure hunters on the one hand and the recycling of the ruins used as a quarry on the other. Stones from Carnuntum were used amongst others for the construction of the St. Stephen's Basilica in Vienna. A brief outline sheds light on some of the most important facts of Carnuntum’s science and museum history.
Timeline
1739
Matthias Fuhrmann releases the first scientific publication on stone inscriptions in Carnuntum in Latin and Greek language.
from 1877
First systematic excavations: legionaries' camp, Military City's Amphitheatre, Mithraeum (the latter is on display at the Museum Carnuntinum). Excavations and restorations near the Heidentor.
1885
Foundation of the "Gesellschaft der Freunde Carnuntums" ("Society of friends of Carnuntum"), a private association to promote research of Carnuntums' cultural heritage. Luminaries of nobility, bourgeoisie, science and economy were among its first members.
2000 – 2013
Intensive archaeological research in the Civilian City. Reconstructions of Lucius' house, villa urbana, Roman baths and domus quarta.
